===================
Last update for survey ==================
Folks,
I have run the survey below for about a month, and am wrapping it
up.
As I do so, I have one comment and one question:
Comment:
Although this survey was unscientific, I think it does show
a clear pattern of more folks being rated "3" this year
than usual. Does anyone disagree? Back when I was a manager in the
90s, the appraisal skew for the "4" and "3"
categories would be around 10%. This year, the "3" category
seems to be definitely higher than 10%.
Question:
Does anybody know what IBM says, when other companies call
it for verification of employment? Does HR only give out the dates
of employment and nothing else, i.e. no info about performance,
rehiring eligibility, etc? That's what I've been told, but it'd
be nice if someone from HR could confirm. Thanks.
-----------------------------
Final results --------------------------------
Question:
if you were RA'ed recently, was your PBC downgraded artificially
to a "3" before you were cut?
Answer:
Total of 334 respondents
Yes
- 99 responses (30%)
No - 155 responses (46%)
Lowered from a "2+" to a
"2" - 27 responses (8%)
Other - 53 responses (16%)
If you
have been RA'ed recently, please consider taking this 1-question
survey: http://tinyurl.com/dmwb28
Thank
you.
===========================================================================================================================
I have
also created a Yahoo group so we can offer mutual support and eventually
meet in person. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RAed2009
Please pass the word on to your colleagues who got the axe.
You can post messages there right away (it's an "open"
group). Thank you. -soon-to-be-ex-SWG-
|
Comment
06/15/09:
Sad but true..I would drive a Ford and GM's etc (and I have)
if they didn't keep breaking down after 3-4 years..for the quality I have
got from those cars they should be priced at about 50% of what they sell for...IBM
systems built by Americans, Canadians, British don't break down after such
little mileage. -DM-
Comment
06/15/09:
To Web editor - I'm responding to a few comments in this section,
however my comment isn't directly related to IBM job cuts... though as I mention
at the end of my comment, yes, I am an IBM RA 'alumna'. So please feel free
to remove this comment or to move it with reference back to the job cuts section.
With that said, I have always owned *US built* Toyotas and Hondas. I believed
in doing so that I was supporting BOTH US jobs AND the environment. My current
car is rated as a highly efficient, very low emissions vehicle. And, I've
only owned three cars in 30 years, so they seem pretty reliable. Also, if
the debate is wrt to union vs. non-union, YES I support unions. And no, I
didn't choose Honda and Toyota because they weren't UAW. However, I made what
I considered to be a very balanced decision, and have had three very reliable
cars as a result. Also btw, I was part of the IBM January RA, so my comments
*may* carry a bit more weight with some... though frankly I think we should
*all* feel free to share our points of view. Now, feel free to rant at my
comments. : ( -Re perceived linkages between IBM RA's and the
US Auto industry-
Comment
06/15/09:
Dear -gone - I forgot, what company do you work for? I'm sure
you've mentioned it by name but I must have missed it. We sure would like
to know. -By the Way-
Comment
06/15/09:
To Sad But true: Don't give me that crap. You expect me to waste
$20-30K on a piece of rolling junk because it's made by an American company?
Sorry, but I got burned by both Ford and GM in the past, never again.
-anon-
Comment
06/15/09:
Want to make a difference? WRITE TO YOUR REPs in CONGRESS. Get EVERYONE you
know to write. Everyday.
Congress listens to large corporate powers UNLESS the voters make it clear
what will happen in the next election. -CM-
Comment
06/15/09:
We're just ending a 'forced' vacation mode for the contractors
in ITD. They were told they had to take 5 days unpaid vacation that ended
6/12. They were also told no overtime. I wonder what's in store next? We're
running pretty bare bones, and I think mgmt knows it. They're trying to come
up with other ways to save money instead of lay-offs. (Of course that will
resume as they continue to off-shore the jobs). I am wondering when our division
will be given the 'option' of taking the 1/3 pay vacation time off.
-miss understanding-
Comment
06/15/09:
@ Sad But true ** Be careful when you assume who is buying American
made and who isn't. I bought my current Honda because it was 68% American
made as opposed to the Chevrolet I was considering which was 52% American
made. To me buying the Chervrolet meant paying American management and foreign
workers, while buying the Honda meant paying foreign management and American
workers. -CM-
Comment
06/15/09:
i was notified by many contractors in my division that their
last day is Wednesday. I am in BTO. I haven't heard of any regulars but regulars
were hit in March. I wonder if the contractors are affected because it's a
quick change before end of 2nd quarter earnings. -current_ibmer-
Comment
06/15/09:
For those of you that were wondering why no posts since 6/8,
I sure hope you had a chance to send in your Alliance membership in the interim
since you apparently consider this a necessary communication service to stay
in touch with what is truly happening in IBM now. Without support the
webmaster might not be around some day?
-Go Alliance-
Comment
06/15/09:
I see there are still many using this site to ask, "anybody
know of new layoffs?" Unbelievable. They will never stop. The only thing
you can do is step up and form a union, or find a job with a different company.
By the way, the company I now work for gave me a bonus for the year that was
more in one check than my las 5 years of variable pay at ibm combined. There
is life after ibm, and it's better. -gone_in_07-
Comment
06/15/09:
>>Show some tact -Anonymous-
Why? My manager showed me no tact, and I presented the firing experience as
fact. You didn't have the same experience? Good for you. Don't attempt to
minimize what was done to me. Don't even dare. Tell you what. I'll hereafter
refer to them as sadists. Better? Good.
-Anonymouse-
Comment
06/14/09:
To every IBM'er who drives a car built overseas and not by American
workers, to everyone of you who shops at Wal-Mart and spends your money on
products made in China, to every one of you who thinks foreign made is better
made or cool, well, if you are RA'd or on the list to be because your job
in moving to India, you have gotten what you deserve. Don't complain that
IBM off shored the job that you drove to in your Acura. No sympathy from me,
the United Autoworkers or anyone in America who once worked in the textile
industry. -Sad But true-
Comment
06/14/09:
To Anon - what is the product? Perhaps there are others out
there with the skills and we can find the customers and fix them up too. Share
the wealth? -RAed in Jan-
Comment
06/14/09:
Are there truly no comments since the 8th of June?
-Thinking-
Alliance Reply: I am out of town and was unable, until today, to connect.
Sorry for the delay.
Comment
06/14/09:
So how many cuts for the week of June 22nd? Is this going to
be another big round? -anonymous-
Comment
06/14/09:
No posts since the 8th? What happened? -justme-
Alliance Reply: I am out of town and was unable, until today, to connect.
Sorry for the delay.
Comment
06/14/09:
http://tinyurl.com/nxddkd This
affects laid off Minnesota IBMers.
"Between November 2008 and February 2009, the affected workers from
each of the five companies were notified of pending dislocations by Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices, public announcements or
directly by company management. This grant includes workers laid off from
the following companies: Celestica, Hutchinson Technology Inc ., International
Business Machines (IBM), Seagate Technology Inc. and Target."
-Think-
Comment
06/14/09:
FYI to those getting the RA package with respect to COBRA coverage. I assumed
(and was wrong) that for the period where IBM was covering salary and benefits
(6 months for me) that I would continue to pay whatever I was paying as an
employee and then when the 6 months ended, the COBRA coverage of 65% would
kick in. That way I'd pay $400 a month then when IBM coverage was done, COBRA
would pick up 65% of the $1000 monthly fee, leaving me with $350 a month fee.
NOPE. COBRA starts the day you are unemployed so my monthly fee is 35% of
the $400....or $140. This stinks because the 65% from COBRA is only good for
9 months (I think)... so I REALLY need to find a new job with benefits or
I'll be paying $1000 a month (family) for health in month 10.
-scooby doo-
Comment
06/1309:
To EVERYONE out there, RAed, current IBMers... A bit of advice
from a recent RAed Senior SW guy... It is easy to get discouraged from trying
to excel at IBM because of what we've been seeing for RAs, overlooked contributions,
lousy bonuses etc. But something I've been learning since my exit in Feb is
this... IBM is STILL the best incubator for your talent, and your accomplishments,
while perhaps ignored by IBM, are incredibly useful in the market out there.
Use your time at IBM to take those classes, file some patents, write for DeveloperWorks,
use your own time if needed, work on a Redbook, do *something* that you can
put in the resume. I cannot tell you how many doors this opens. IBM can be
a scarlet letter for some prospective employers, but from what I've seen thus
far, it has opened many more doors than I would have expected. I've gotten
interviews because of a lot of my "other" activities in addition
to the jobs I've done in IBM. Often times this shows your initiative, innovative
attitude, willingness to not stagnate (take those classes wherever you can;
the virtual ones are just fine, and in fact, I took a few on my own time,
when they were offered in other time zones, so I just did them at night (like
the ones offered for Asia Pacific time zones)) After all, just use your PC
at home (and the broadband that IBM no longer pays for ;-) Bottom line is,
while it is easy to say to yourself, "why bother" on these extra
activities because IBM could not care, others do! This is not taking away
from IBM at all, but using what is available to you to make yourself (more)
desirable in the marketplace should IBM or you decide a parting of the ways
is needed. This is from firsthand experience; I am getting more doors opened
because of my patents, publishing etc than on my skillset and job accomplishments
alone. -RAed in Jan-
Comment
06/1309:
Any word on any more job cuts? -IBM Sucks-
Comment
06/12/09:
From a recent CNNMoney.com article: "...Accordingly,
if IBM is successful in bidding for contracts for federal stimulus projects
-- as the company said it would attempt to do -- then Big Blue may in turn
increase its U.S. workforce. "IBM may grow its U.S. workforce to match
its stimulus contracts," said Claunch. "They wouldn't be clueless
enough to source work out of the U.S. for that."
Maybe. But I think
Claunch is giving the clueless and brutal Armonk posse too much credit. So
in this case why wouldn't IBM recall those USA ex-employees they like to say
were RA'ed or laid off? What IBM would probably do is:
1) Find a loophole or way to offshore the stimulus contracts. The DC beltway
jerks are clueless. The stimulus money is just throwing printed paper at an
economic crisis that the oversight of the government was responsible for (allowing
rampant deregulation). So IBM will do whatever it can for itself even at the
expense of the taxpayers and the USA economy.
2) Hire the cheapest USA employees they can whether skilled or qualified.
-anonymous-
Comment
06/11/09: What's
up with Alliance website? Today is 06/11 and board hasn't been updated since
06/08. -Me-Too-
Alliance Reply: I am out of town and was unable, until today, to connect.
Sorry for the delay.
Comment
06/11/09:
No new posts in 3-4 days? Is our webmaster on vacation? Or has
IBM stopped laying people off? I'd find *that* hard to believe... -Anonyrat-
Alliance Reply: I am out of town and was unable, until today, to connect.
Sorry for the delay.
Comment
06/11/09:
I was RA'd March 26 with an end date of April 27. I went to
the Boulder site, signed the papers and took 26 weeks of severance pay and
left. It took me ONLY 7 weeks to find a job that pays 10% more than my band
8 IBM job, snf gave me a signing bonus to boot. I looked at only small to
medium sized companies and found a terrific job that I will cherish after
enduring the last several years at IBM (left after 19 years of service). Best
wishes to all those leaving. -Sagemeister-
Comment
06/11/09:
No messages since the 8th? Is something broken? -Anonymous-
Alliance Reply: I am out of town and was unable
until to day, to connect. Sorry for the delay.
Comment
06/11/09: Write
your representatives in Congress. Get your family and friends to do the same.
Write daily if you can. Weekly at least. Go to www.congress.org & this
website will help you determine who your representatives are and compose an
email to them. ...Here's an example of the emails I'm sending on a daily basis...
The current tax laws are encouraging American multinational corporations to
invest overseas, instead of investing in the U.S. No matter how you rationalize
that behavior, it is not good for our nation. The longer U.S. corporate money
is allowed to stay overseas, the more overseas investment by U.S. corporations
will grow. By encouraging this overseas investment, these tax laws are costing
American jobs. Stand up for American workers, American families, and America's
future. Change the tax code to remove these offshore investment incentives.
What is good for multi-national corporations is not always good for America.
Small business, workers and American tax payers are hurt by the amount of
money being shifted overseas by the current tax incentives. -CM-
Comment
06/11/09:
Where did the webmaster go? It has been a day or two with no
updates to the site. See how much we appreciate you? When you're gone we notice.
Thanks for being there!! -appreciate-you-
Alliance Reply: I am out of town and was unable until to day, to connect.
Sorry for the delay.
Comment
06/10/09:
Regarding Comment 06/06/09: Interesting comment by RacerX...
about how layoffs have not hurt IBM. GE also has practiced layoffs and Jack
Welsh (or it it Welch) taught a lot of these execs the mantra of yearly layoffs
in good times... - keep laying off what you perceive to be your bottom 10%
of the workforce and it will work wonders for your business. GE followed this
practice mindlessly for decades. Have you checked how GE fared in this recession?
44% drop in revenues. This mindless blather by a heartless and egregiously
overpaid executive is now driving that corp to its knees. You can guess what
they were left with? The kinds of employees most valued by managers. I am
old enough to have one of the "How To Stuff A Wild Duck" posters...
How the times have changed. Also, I seem to recall some posters to the effect
that "Eagles Don't Flock, You Have to Find Them One By One". May
not have been an IBM poster, though. -I.B. Emmer-
Comment
06/10/09:
I wonder if anyone know anything about another layoff in STG in POU and EFK
Everything is very quiet on the word layoff -Another Layoff in
STG?-
Comment
06/10/09:
It looks like an am off to my first job as an ex-IBMer, and
it is a particularly sweet one. The customer bought one of the IBM buggy bloatware
products and could not get it installed and configured properly. IBM is blaming
the customer and wants to charge $400-$500/hr for help. Well guess what? IBM
fired my ass to save money and I have the perfect expertise for this problem,
and from what I can see, there are at least four customers so far who need
help. Word is IBM can't find the expertise needed. The kicker is that for
two years before I was fired I was trying to transition from development and
Level 3 support to doing this exact job! I'm gonna bust my butt for this client
and I am delighted to make the customer happy with good service and cut out
the IBM middleman and overhead. When IBM dropped 'Respect for the Individual'
it dropped "IBM means service" as well, and I hope I can help take
IBM's lunch because of it. So make a good resume and post it on dice.com -
you might find out somebody out there appreciates what you have to offer,
even though IBM doesn't. -anon-
Comment
06/09/09:
Does anyone think that Sam P would ever entertain such an idea?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090609/od_nm/us_britishairways_pay_odd_1
-MuffinMan-
Comment
06/09/09:
I just got some info from a former colleague that a bunch of
ABAPers got terminated in the San Jose, CA area on 26 May. One guy I know
started over 11 years ago. Meanwhile the ABAP jobs go to cheap labor Indians
here on L, business or H1B visa or off-shore in India. My experience w/these
ABAPers is that they are very inexperienced and the communication is tough,
too. Apparently upper management at IBM have decided that it is worth it for
them to pay more middle managers to manage the Indians than pay Americans
a fair wage and benefits. Seems to me that IBM is also seeking American taxpayer
dollars via the stimulus. -c
currey-
Comment
06/09/09:
Reminder to those hit by IBM RAs/layoffs/firings recently or
in the past: There is a Yahoo group to check out as well.
-Porkchop-
Comment
06/09/09:
Notice the latest on CNN financial site. IBM is expected to
rake 94.8 million from the stimulus package. I guess our politicians are all
in cohoot with IBM. No wonder the government has ignored this year's layoffs.
-ex-IBMer-
Comment
06/09/09:
I am not sure if this is the right forum for this question but
I was RA'd with my last day in May. I was told by a church friend that use
to work in my state's unemployment office that if my job was sent overseas
I should be eligible for the Workforce Investment Act and the 2 years of free
training. My project was slated to go completely to Singapore by the end of
the year and I was 'supposedly' moving to another project which obviously
didn't happen. I hate that I wasted so many nights working because of the
time difference with Singapore. A complete waste. Anyway, I got the 2500 in
training stuff with my package, but I do not know if I am eligible for it.
Does anyone know if I would be or how I could apply? Thanks! -FreeinNC-
Alliance reply: contact the following:
Russell Doles
Governor's Rapid Response Team Manager
North Carolina Department of Commerce
Division of Workforce Development
313 Chapanoke Road, Suite 120
4316 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4316
919-329-5284
Fax: 919-662-4770
Email: rdoles@nccommerce.com
Also: http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/benefits.cfm
Comment
06/08/09:
There are empty boxes being brought into the Lexington MA complex.
Not a good sign for later this month -JohnK-
Comment
06/09/09:
Microsoft may abandon US operations to survive
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aaaBdVMkjPnU
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/08/09:
What address do we have the DOL send our appeal to at IBM? I
don't want my appeal for COBRA to end up at a Fidelity address, or in the
worng place. Thank you! -Alba-
Comment
06/08/09:
The constant Nazi references by --anonymouse-- cheapens this
discussion. I'm surprised the moderators allow them to continue. I can appreciate
that emotions may be on high, but I think a point can be made without a reference
to Nazism. Show some tact -Anonymous-
Comment
06/08/09:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090608/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_stimulus
President Barack Obama assured the nation his recovery plan was on track
Monday, scrambling to calm Americans unnerved by unemployment
rates still persistently rising nearly four months after he signed the biggest
economic stimulus in history.
IT IS ALL BIASED, CURRENT ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT KNOW WHERE AND WHY JOBS
POSITION IS LIKE THIS ? crazy RIGHT ? If we just stop OUTSOURCING and get
back jobs things will be fine with in one quarter. More worse to come when
GM and other auto guys layoff people. Now IBM almost sent most of tem back
home and more to come this month end. People in Bangalore are enjoying our
$ Dollars. Mr.President replace DOLLARS to RUPEES as American Currency.
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/08/09:
-MyTurn- Your manager might be trying to treat you as a dumba$$.
Demand and get the FULL RA seperation package paperwork from your manager
who is trying to hide something from you that you have a legal right to know!
Escalate to HR and be a real pain in the a$$ if you have to. -anonymous-
Comment
06/08/09:
"IBM performs a total assessment of an employee's relevant skills
and performance within a job group, with seniority used as a tie-breaker"
TOTAL assessment? By WHOM? By your no-skills manager or by faceless
and clueless HR? Then why are PBC "2+" folks with great IT skills
being RA'ed and being over 40 years old? Total Armonk BS. It should say:
"IBM performs an assessment of which jobs can be offshored without
regards for skills or performance within a job group just to cut costs to
the cheapest labor markets so the Armonk executive team can get richer"
-RAthis-
Comment
06/08/09:
To -IBM UC'd- you mention that you are looking for
some PM's. I worked at IBM for over 12 years and have numerous years in PM
and setting PMO's. I would be interested in knowing where the job location
is at and finding out more about what you are looking for. Please post your
direct contact info if you don't mind. -FormerIBMPM-
Comment
06/08/09:
My RA pkg does not include totals, numbers, ages, none of that.
Just some very basic paperwork for me to sign. -MyTurn-
Comment
06/07/09:
So for those who've found a good place to land and are in positions
to hire or influence hiring, how can we connect safely with you? Do you have
work-at-home opportunities for those who find relocation undesirable?
-CDI_drone-
Comment
06/07/09:
To IBM UC'd: I work on the Allianz account. Mgmt has
been furiously trying to offshore the work by years end. What information
do you have that ibm might be losing the allianz account ? They keep telling
us Allianz is so happy with our service. Must be just another lie. -dun-4-
Comment
06/07/09:
Sorry to
hear of the RA's going around - I got out earlier as posted and back in October
I warned of the waves of RA's coming up to June as well as the GDC's - it
was known back in Aug what was to occur down to 3rd line's. Right now I am
a OPS Mgr at another IT company and supervising a PMO and 25 PM's and have
IBM with me as the client. I already know the problems with Tivoli, Maximo
and other items and already looking at reducing SLA's to conform to one product.
Main point I told our CTIO is that we can save $5m by having one product instead
of six products that IBM has offshored to Bangalore and can't give us help
- that is why he brought me in. IBM should know, if you RA a lot of good people
they take that underlying knowledge and are able to use it against them especially
that I am on the other side and I pay the bills. Another reason as well not
to undercut GOOD I/T setups for cheap short terms that offer no long term
rationale. They asked for it, they got it - just they are supposed to maintain
a profit line - not just the stock index. BTW - looking at hiring good SAM
PM's for my company now and looking at former IBM'rs. My company is in the
top 100 and never happier right now. Heard from a friend that IBM lost SunTrust
recently and about to lose Allianz and Equifax before end of year. Seems that
had to do with BRIC support. -IBM UC'd-
Comment
06/07/09:
Received
an email withink SWG about taking time off in the summer and receiving 1/3
pay during that time. IBM states it's a way for employees to do other endeavors
such as family time or volunteering. My conspiracy side thinks it's a way
to push a PBC of 3 to them and then to RA...Manager says "well you did
request that extra time off but Susie didn't and put the time in to really
go above and beyond...so you get the 3"...and then 3 months later find
yourself RA'd...Hard for me to imagine a team of executives taking time to
purely plan a way for employees to take time off in addition to vacation with
the sole premise of the employees well being... -massworker-
Comment
06/07/09:
To
-reply to emotional response post- : I was
ra'd in 07 and did the same thing for years and years. I pointed all my co-workers
to the alliance site. Most were kids but even the 40 plus people acted like
I had 3 heads. They would rather keep their eyes closed and hope for the best.
I still know a stupid PM who says he only needs 10 more years and he can retire.
I suspect they will get him before that as he works from home 100% of the
time and lives the good life. When he gets cut he will be totally screwed
because he has no skills other than very basic pm skills, not even certified.
They will learn the hard way. -rad_in_07-
Comment
06/07/09:
>>Most
of these comments aren't related to job cuts. Shouldn't they be move to the
General Comments section? -Internal Accounts are Dead-
That MIGHT be a good idea in ordinary times, but since these times are
similar to 1939 Germany, and this site IS the only site where fearful sheeple
IBMers feel perfectly free to talk, I say leave this section alone. If the
moderators want to copy these comments to the General Comments sections, that's
fine. But this is the first section I come to, only because I was screwed
for the second time since 1999, and I think everyone here should should know
that it was a result of the Job Cuts. I did NOT retire voluntarily, I was
FIRED and chose to retire under duress. My manager threatened me and my team
leader was her Goebbels in delivering her threats. Still think we should move
to the General Comments section? There is enough censoring on the Yahoo boards,
kindly leave this site alone. -anonymouse-
Alliance reply: It is a valid point, that some of
these comments may qualify for the "General Visitor" section; however,
as long as the topic doesn't stray too far from job cuts and losses, and the
effects on the IBMers being cut; I choose to allow
them to stay here. Anonymouse also makes a good point that this comments sections
is the MOST visited of the group of comment sections on this site. We would
truly appreciate visitors navigating through the entire site as well. It helps
us to keep it as up-to-date as possible regarding issues such as pensions,
health care, labor laws, legislation, and stockholder meetings and updates.
This site has a plethora of information and history.
Some of it may be out of date. Please read as much as you can of it, and let
me know what needs updating and what suggestions for improvements you may
have. I'll do my best to accommodate those fixes and ideas.
One thing I should mention is, that it helps if the advice is coming from
an Alliance member. After all, members dues pay for this site to exist. Without
membership and the $5 or $10 a month dues and/or donations; we would not be
here in the first place. Thank you, Anonymouse, for your support. We do appreciate
it.
Rick
White
Treasurer, Organizer, Web Maintenance
and Health & Safety Representative
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org
Twitter ID: @allianceibm
Comment
06/07/09:
All, If
you were RAed recently, please note the Job Cuts Stats tool in the sticky
note at the top of this page. It will crunch the numbers from your RA package
(PDF) and tell you the RA totals by age. Please report the totals here so
we can all see. I wonder if IBM hit its goal of 16,000 yet? The "IBM
Values" book was a cookbook!! -Cooked 25yrs-
Comment
06/07/09:
>>I
guess that kool-aid they serve is extra strong these days! -anonymous-
No, not just 'these days'. I remember in the early nineties asking someone
about Lee, whose name I kept hearing. I was told 'oh we don't talk about him'
and that 'if you get a union in IBM you have to start from point zero on all
your benefits'. Well, this all is SO much better, right? Sure it is. So no,
IBM employees have always been fearful little sheeple, it's just going on
two decades later and the screwing will go on ad infinitum.
>>Just draw up an employment contract and tell IBM you will move
if they sign the contract. -Vinnie-
Hah, who do you think you are, Vinnie? Sam? Lou?
>> I have seen ruthess behavior and vocal rudeness that is apparently
unchecked and overlooked, and would not be tolerated in social groups or society
outside IBM. Why are these managers not trained and supervised? A few behaved
like guards in an Iraq prison IMO, or police in a 3rd world country. -Former
IBMer-
So true. My last manager and team leader were the most vile and inhuman people
in power I have ever seen in a decades long career in IBM. However, my manager
was receiving orders from on high and the team leader was receiving orders
from the manager. That was the 'training'. Supervising? The only 'supervising'
is in the form of the bonus the manager will get for all the employees threatened
in the last two months of their career with severance/no severance in training
their underskilled overseas replacements. The team leader's day will no doubt
come, but in the meantime he was Goebbels to the manager's Hitler. If anyone
still thinks it is anywhere near to the old IBM, they are very much mistaken.
-anonymouse-
Comment
06/06/09:
Interesting
comment by RacerX... about how layoffs have not hurt IBM. GE also has practiced
layoffs and Jack Welsh (or it it Welch) taught a lot of these execs the mantra
of yearly layoffs in good times... - keep laying off what you perceive to
be your bottom 10% of the workforce and it will work wonders for your business.
GE followed this practice mindlessly for decades. Have you checked how GE
fared in this recession? 44% drop in revenues. This mindless blather by a
heartless and egregiously overpaid executive is now driving that corp to its
knees. You can guess what they were left with? The kinds of employees most
valued by managers. The team leaders and to use a dated phrase: The foil flippers.
What is evil anyway? It's ideology that trumps reasonable and compassionate
thought and action. I understand GE was funding a lavish NYC apartment for
Mr Welch at least until recently. Despite the fact he's been retired a long
time. now. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/06/09:
Most of
these comments aren't related to job cuts. Shouldn't they be move to the General
Comments section? This comments section is for the posting of specific information
of Job cuts, Resource Actions and Firings. Specific information.
-Internal Accounts are Dead-
Comment
06/06/09:
-Former
IBMer-: I have seen ruthess behavior and vocal rudeness that is apparently
unchecked and overlooked, and would not be tolerated in social groups or society
outside IBM. Why are these managers not trained and supervised? I've known
a couple of 1st line managers who said that they loved the "Blue"
training, but that they're not allowed to practice it. IBM still apparently
trains its managers for the IBM of yore. Then, dumps them into the IBM of
today, where they quickly see that fear and intimidation are what those above
them use to manage, and those are the tools they're given to manage down as
well. I've known a few 1st line IBM managers who tried to treat their people
with respect and as professional adults. All of them have since been whacked.
It seems that the worst a*holes are the ones who survive. -irRational-
Comment
06/06/09:
>>
LET US FIGHT NOW !!! -Ramki-
Uh huh. Okay. Yeah. Right. Let me know how that turns out for ya.
>> it is that the vast majority of IBMers don't want to do anything
to help themselves That's shameful in itself..
Exactly. Of course it is. As I predicted, in a year (maybe sooner) this will
all be forgotten. IBM counts on this. They take the cowed fear of the employee
to the bank. -anonymouse-
Comment
06/06/09:
MOVE or
QUIT! Just draw up an employment contract and tell IBM you will move if they
sign the contract.
It should have like five years of employment with a golden parachute, just
like the big boys.If they no sign you no move. -Vinnie-
Comment
06/06/09:
IBMers
trying to "keep their head down" doesn't mean they will still have
a job. At will employee means you can always be RA'ed. An IBMer has absolutely
no job protection. Yes, it is amazing that when they find out about the Alliance
they generally ignore or dismiss the subject. I guess that kool-aid they serve
is extra strong these days! -anonymous-
Comment
06/06/09:
Any totals
on the number of people affected by the cuts this past week? This time I am
not seeing any number coming out of the packages. The total number of workers
(contractors and employees) needs to be continually mentioned and spread throughout
the media, for each event as well as the 2009 total. -Gabba Gabba
Hey-
Comment
06/06/09:
I was always
struck by the absolute power that 1st line and 2nd line managers apparently
have in IBM, even though they either have no IT skills or are very rusty.
I have seen ruthess behavior and vocal rudeness that is apparently unchecked
and overlooked, and would not be tolerated in social groups or society outside
IBM. Why are these managers not trained and supervised? A few behaved like
guards in an Iraq prison IMO, or police in a 3rd world country.
-Former IBMer-
Comment
06/06/09:
I was RA'd
back in 05 but still speak regularly with former co-workers who are still
with IBM. Whenever I mention this site and
advise them to take a look and spread the word I'm met with silence or a quick
subject change on their part. It's almost as I told them I just saw a UFO
or something, they just don't seem to want to hear about it and I believe
it's definitely the fear thing mentioned in the previous post. It's lke "right
now I still have my job and there's no way I'm jeopardizing it. Too bad because
slowly but surely they're time will come. -reply
to emotional response post-
Comment
06/06/09:
IBM managers are only around now to see the RA's happen. Most have little
if any technical skills, little if any IT savvy and
need their staff pets to do their Microsoft Office work. Since they can't
do any real IT IBM is forced to keep them as managers. That's pretty pathetic.
-anonymous-
Comment
06/06/09:
-anon- What does it take for you all to take action? That is
what the Alliance has been wrestling with. It is not that the Alliance is
a failed union movement: far from it; it is that the vast majority of IBMers
don't want to do anything to help themselves That's shameful in itself.. Those
folks that want to help that are in the Alliance have to be tired of fighting
for those IBMers. Yes, it's shameful that a few hundred IBMers during their
lunch hour in Poughkeepsie couldn't have joined in. A showery day was no excuse
for not supporting the Alliance. -anon2-
Comment
06/06/09:
Earlier in this message board I posted my emotional response
to being laid off on June 2nd. Alliance response was something to the effect
of "if you have been there for 25 years why are you just now posting?"
...this disturbed me. If you know the corporate environment of the past 15
years you would realize that most of the people left from each cut are filled
with fear for their own jobs and therefore as was in my case paralyzed when
it came to speaking out or taking a stand. Anyone who knows "the IBM
way" also knows that the canned response to any questions about "how
is it going" is "great...everything is just great". Most of
us would do anything to keep our jobs including selling ourselves out and
keeping quiet. Unfortunately that is the case with many including this now
laid off employee. There is much that has not been told...and may never be....unless
the company goes completely under. Unfortunately my work environment became
what defined my own self. Now I am paying the price for that too,
-I am stunned-
Comment
06/05/09:
Re: By what you have posted here, it appears that you didn't
know about Alliance@IBM until you got fired...We've been here 10 years. No
disrespect intended, but might this be an indication that Alliance is not
effectively advertising its existence? Rather than rely upon Alliance members
to assume the risk of publicly recruiting for Alliance, could we perhaps be
provided with some tools for anonymously advertising its existence? For example,
we could anonymously put up bulletin board flyers that advertise this web
site. It does seem to me that a fair number of my co-workers are unaware of
Alliance until I bring it up, but while I am willing to discuss Alliance with
trusted peers, I am not yet brave enough nor angry enough to start handing
out flyers to strangers in the cafeteria. -Flabbergasted-
Alliance reply: Be aware that the IBM bulletin boards are IBM property. You
can leave flyers in breakrooms and lunch areas. We can send you some. We have
sent thousands of emails to IBMers. The press coverage of the recent cuts
and others mentioning the Alliance was massive. We suggest that people write
in comments to their local online newspapers every time there is an IBM article
and mention the alliance and the web site. If someone doesn't know by now
they simply do not know what is happening to the world around them. Some frankly
are asleep at the wheel and don't wake up until the tap on the shoulder.
Comment
06/05/09:
It is a shame that most people equate unions with auto manufacturers
and the piss poor products they have produced over the years. What they fail
to understand is it is the people who designed the piss poor products that
are at fault for the lack of quality and not the union grunt who bolted the
pieces together as designed. More then likely the designers were NOT union.
They were probably restricted in what they could spend on innovations and
safety by greedy executives who wanted to only do enough to keep getting their
large paychecks. Because the worker grunts organized into an effective bargaining
unit people see them as an easy place to put the blame for all the companies
woes. You hear people question why they have such good retiree benefits but
you never really hear how much the executives carried off over the years that
cost them just as much or more. The Executives " Parachutes" are
a one time outpouring of cash written off in the year they happen so out of
sight out of mind where the retirees are an ongoing yearly expense that lingers
as long as the retirees do. If the automakers are to be used as an example
use them as the positive example that they are. The employees through the
union own part of the companies they work for. Protect your job and employ
yourself. There is certainly a lesson to be learned there. If only people
would understand they cannot win this fight alone. -Exodus2007-
Comment
06/05/09:
16 months ago IBM sold its Network Services Division to AT&T,
both IBM and AT&T held hands saying this would be a great thing for both
organizations. NOT! Today, the IBM & AT&T relationship is strained
and many issues exist regarding scope, costs and other areas. In fact, Price
Waterhouse was brought in to mediate between the two orgs to resolve a lot
of the issues. Its good to see IBM get a taste of its own outsourcing medicine.
I hope IBM's cost case is blown wide open and they pay more for Network Services
than when IBM had it. Now you know what customer feel! -Told You
So-
Comment
06/05/09:
any news about mass? -Anonymous-
Comment
06/05/09:
We Americans need to get together it is HighTime we are not
together in any thing that is the reason we are like this. We need to fight
together and need to tell local congressman and senators and finally to Mr
President TOGETHER. If we all together'ly complain to Mr President he will
be able to do someting ( Keep in mind we need to do this together ) People
out in Brazil, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad are enjoying OUR DOLLARS literally.
It is not due to competency we are loosing Jobs, current Administration is
not helping much, just telling about changing TAX code and crap. It is High
Time we need to do something to save our Children's future in case we are
serious of our Childrens future. Also by the time Mr.Obama Administration
does something all our Jobs would have been Sailed away from our shores, and
there wont be any thing left to talk and discuss. Brazil, China and India
are enjoying our $ DOLLARS. All Presidents Tell "GOD help America"
it is not GOD He Mr.President and his office need to do something to these
greedy corportions to send JOBS out. It is going to be further tough on us
and on our childerens the way things are going, We need to wake up Together
and Fight Together for our JOBS. JOBS are Primary for Everything !!!! PLEASE
TOGETHER LET US COMMUNICATE TO OUR LOCAL CONGRESSMAN / CONGRESSWOMAN and SENATORS
OFFICE NOW !!! PLEASE. Thing is even we cant have class action case on these
corporations sending Jobs out - very sad. LET US FIGHT NOW !!! -Ramki-
Comment
06/05/09:
I saw the article on the rally in Poughkeepsie. It is absolutely
shameful that more IBMers and especially those who lost their jobs recently
did not come out and support the Alliance. That lack of support hurts the
Alliance. If you expect an organization to fight for you then you need to
join them. I will say it again. It was shameful that hundreds did not show
up. What does it take for you all to take action? -anon-
Comment
06/05/09:
If I were already living in Dubuque and had IT skills and experience,
I'd work on a farm. There's more bullshit in IBM than on any farm around.
IBM has devolved into a third world IT body shop. IBM's managers obviously
are out of touch and simply don't understand how to manage IT services and
resources to meet customer requirements. The new IBM technician is an inexperienced,
unmotivated, unskilled module-monkey, learning at the expense of the customer
and posing a critical risk to the business. That's the unfortunate and predictable
result of IBM's ignorant, arrogant, non-technical, and greed-centric management.
-former IBM customer-
Comment
06/05/09:
To RacerX: "Management knows that they get more than their
money's worth from those more seasoned employees" LMAO, that's got to
be the funniest think on this board this week :>). Keep them coming, laughter
is good medicine for all of us here at the ibm sweatshop -RacerXneedTuneup-
Comment
06/05/09:
Michael Moore on GM: "And [GM] was hell-bent on punishing
its unionized workforce, lopping off thousands of workers for no good reason
other than to "improve" the short-term bottom line of the corporation.
Beginning in the 1980s, when GM was posting record profits, it moved countless
jobs to Mexico and elsewhere, thus destroying the lives of tens of thousands
of hard-working Americans. The glaring stupidity of this policy was that,
when they eliminated the income of so many middle class families, who did
they think was going to be able to afford to buy their cars? History will
record this blunder in the same way it now writes about the French building
the Maginot Line or how the Romans cluelessly poisoned their own water system
with lethal lead in its pipes." -Anonymous in Rochester-
Comment
06/05/09:
But there are so colleges in and around Dubuque. Why do people
have these stereotypes about 'farm country'? Many of the people there are
quite smart, some are highly educated, and many more would stay in the community
if only there were jobs. The quality of living out there, especially if you
are raising a family, is quite high and the cost is much lower than in the
major metropolitan areas. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/04/09:
To RacerX - in an ideal if not brutal world you would be right
- necessary cuts would be surgical and well thought through. If you read through
these comments since Jan you will see this is far from the case in 2009. Cuts
are being made in a haphazard way, primarily of senior experienced people,
with no regard to impact on future operations. I was fired in January, left
with an excellent new job lined up even in this economy because my skill set
is in such demand, and have enjoyed hearing from various executives I used
to work with how outraged they were that I was forced out. I am sure that
my story is far from unique. I know a number of hugely talented and hardworking
25+ year veterans who were also fired. This is not the IBM I joined - that
IBM would never have treated its dedicated and productive workforce in this
way. I would never return to IBM under any circumstances. Open your eyes to
the new reality - there is a much better world outside with employers who
treat their people as assets, not commodities. -anonymous-
Comment
06/04/09:
I agree Dubuque was a really stupid choice of location. I imagine
it has to do with yet more tax breaks. Iowa thought they could "buy"
local IBM jobs with tax dollars because, hey, that worked so freakin' great
in NY, didn't it? -ReapWhatYouSow-
Comment
06/04/09:
>> Has anyone who has been told to report to XXXXX or you
will have been voluntarily resigned did what the folks here have suggested?
Do not show up and do not voluntarily resign? Make IBM fire you?
Probably not yet. Remember the rankings of the 1990s? I know one poor
sod who was ranked in the bottom percentile (arbitrarily of course, he didn't
suck up to management), and was told he could either go work in Vermont on
third shift or he would be moved to Grubb & Ellis. G&E fired him,
of course, that was the plan all along. He went quietly and was fired quietly.
It was a different company then, and employees did as they were told. Anyone
being told to do XX or be voluntarily resigned should not go quietly anymore.
Of course, this takes courage but again, what does
one have to lose with the new IBM? Exactly, nothing. -anonymouse-
Comment
06/04/09:
- IBM is having problems staffing the GDC in Iowa.-
haha, no kdding. Who wants to live in the middle of farm country with an IT
job? If you lose your job at the GDF (and based on the rumors, it sounds like
anybody making more than band 7 money will eventually) there is NOTHING there.
Dubuque was a horrible selection for IBM. If IBM has any brains, they would
have put these GDFs in major university towns. They would have college grads
to staff from on a yearly basis and be able to pay them complete crap since
they have no experience fresh out of college. But yeah, let's put one in farm
country and wonder why we can't staff it. DUH -anonymous-
Comment
06/04/09:
My understanding about rolling over vacation to the next year
is that it is 'unofficial' and strictly up to your manager. You can get screwed
out of this time if you get a new manager (seen that happen) or your manager
just changes his mind. I always thought people who did this were fools. I\'ve
even seen people give up vacation time because the job was so freaking important.
Biggest fools ever. -anon-
Comment
06/04/09:
Regarding Mel B's situation, I was just wondering about something.
Has anyone who has been told to report to XXXXX or you will have been voluntarily
resigned did what the folks here have suggested? Do not show up and do not
voluntarily resign? Make IBM fire you? I'm just curious if anyone has already
taken this path, and if so, what happened. Good luck to all who are still
lingering at big blow. -Mistressofthei5-
Comment
06/04/09:
Was it 15 or 20 at the rally? Sorry to say it but it's about
time to turn off the lights and pack it in. No I was not there, but I've been
out of big blew for a couple years now and don't work in IT anymore. Still
routing for you guys, but at this point it's time to pack it in. -wednesday_rally-
Alliance reply: As long as there are IBM employees and Alliance members we
will keep fighting.
Comment
06/04/09:
>>10 key employees resigning will have a far greater impact
than 100 who have been RA'ed.
Work in corporate,
do you? This is a lie, since the Nazis are not keeping the key employees.
But you already knew that.
>>Management
knows that they get more than their money's worth from those more seasoned
employees.
Another lie.
The Nazis have not kept the seasoned employees, they have FIRED them. That's
right, they didn't (such a cute harmless acronym) 'RA' them, they FIRED
them. To anyone reading: DO NOT RESIGN.
>>You
keep reminding everyone that we are AT WILL EMPLOYEES but then go on to
talk about not quitting but waiting for them to RA you to get a severance.
Guess what.... as an AT WILL EMPLOYEE you have no right to severance.
That's correct, but as an AT WILL EMPLOYEE, the current employee can UNIONIZE
while they are waiting to be fired. Once they are fired, if not for cause,
then they can get some form of severance. But you already know that, you've
read all the HR documents. Just the fact that you speak of firings as 'RAs'
shows you are corporate. Repeat: don't quit, don't resign, make the Nazis
fire you and give you a severance. It's encouraging to see corporate apologists
try to spin on this board. Obviously, the Alliance is having an effect.
-anonymouse-
Comment
06/04/09:
Curious - If you willing resign from IBM do you receive you
unused vacation time paid out? Also, I was not able to utilize any vacation
time last year as I was on 24x7 support of an account -- manager was supposed
to roll that time forward to this year, but didn't. He said it is at his discretion
if I required more this year. Is this him lying? Anything that can be done
about this? -Anon-
Comment
06/04/09:
Armonk, NY. Dec.,2009 (CNN) - IBM Corp. reported today that
they would not be releasing end of year financial results. A spokesman said,
"We know we made a boatload of money, because we dumped all
our expensive US workforce, but unfortunately we are unable to access any
of our financial systems to provide actual figures, as they are not working
at this time. Trust us, we're rich. We can tell by the size of our bonuses.
We hope to have our new paper and pencil system working soon, as we have a
crack staff of cheap, untrained labor figuring out how to use this new breakthrough
technology." -anon-
Comment
06/04/09:
20 to 30 peole have been let go in Endicott. Jobs related to
Travel/Relocation Accounting. All jobs sent to either Argentina or Manilla.
All of our area , including Payroll , will be overseas by next year this time.
-wes-
Comment
06/04/09:
-I have heard rumblings that IBM plans for the GDF relocation is
to try to force those workers not able to relocate to quit to save on paying
any severance. - That's an expensive way to get workers to quit. The
GDF concept has been in place for quite some time now. The GDF is a major
cost cutting measure for IBM. From a previous post, the highest band level
in a GDF will be 7, and those will be minimal. IBM is doing what they think
is right by offering you to keep your job in a GDF. I doubt IBM has the forward
looking capacity to say "if we create these GDFs and staff them with
local employees, anybody remote that doesn't want to go can suck it and quit".
IBM thinks about today, not tomorrow. This is obvious by pushing all work
offshore and to low-skilled GDFs. IBM will be paying up the ass in the next
1-3 years for missed SLAs and clients will be dropping IBM as their provider
of service. -anonymous-
Comment
06/04/09:
I can't stress enough how important it is to get another job,
even if you believe yours is safe. It seems like the IT industry is starting
to pick back up in the US (if you're not IBM of course), simply from the #
of calls I've been getting. I just found a new job (put in my 2 weeks tomorrow),
and I can not tell you the relief I feel, especially since I am 99% positive
I'm slated for an RA in a month or two. In dealing with this new company,
I forgot how nice it can be to work for a real company. I've been beaten down
by IBM for so long I grossly undervalued myself. This new company has turned
all that around and made me realize what a bad situation I was in. I do feel
IBM needs a union, but at this point it may be too late for that. I would
still press ahead with unionizing, but for your own good, get your name out
there and look to leave IBM. There is a real world out there, and it is much
brighter if you are not shrouded by the cloud of IBM. -How
do you say goodbye in Indian?-
Comment
06/04/09:
IBM is having problems staffing the GDC in Iowa. If you look
at the job postings you'll notice the opening date has been pushed out from
June to November/December. They are also paying M&L for upper bands for
some of the required skills. You can be sure even if you decide to go, and
you get the M&L, IBM will be constantly looking for cheaper labor, so
if you go there, beware! Once they find someone to replace you at a cheaper
rate, you're toast. (or, you might be asked to continue your employment at
a lower pay rate,. Is this something you are willing to do?) Think about it.
-dun-4-
Comment
06/04/09:
To Mel B: I can't believe that your mgr told you to accept
then not show up for the first day. What a scumbag. He is trying to get you
fired 'for cause'. You won't be eligible for unemployment if IBM fires you
for cause. Don't listen to him! Don't resign either. Hang on to the bitter
end, keep stringing them along by telling mgmt you are still thinking about
it. Then at the last moment, when THEY ask you about your choice, tell them
you cannot go. ABOVE all else, DO NOT say anything else to them, Do not tell
them you resign, do not sign anything. Let them do what they must, but you
will walk away with some sort of severance pkg, and be able to collect unemployment
if they are they ones who terminate you. -hey-joe-what-do-you-know-
Comment
06/04/09:
>>Please start making plans to leave... NOW.
-Macabby-, good post but I respectfully disagree. This is doing exactly
what IBM wants you to do. My advice, IF the person can do it, is to stick
it out. Make alternative plans, absolutely -- keep the resume up to date,
keep the skills up to date, and the like -- but leave without a severance?
Why? Management is desperate to kick out everyone over 50 with 30 years, or
perhaps over 40, so let THEM do the kicking out. It's stressful, and demoralizing,
and demeaning, to listen to moronic management talk about 'visibility' and
'not doing enough', but ignore them. Do your job to the best of your ability,
play the game if you like, ignore the moronic management if you so choose,
and wait for them to fire you. Trust me, it WILL happen. There is no more
respect for the individual or the work they do, the only employees still valued
are those who suck up -- watch out for the team leaders who act as hatchet
men for moronic managers -- so if you don't suck up, big time, you're gone.
The moral is, based on my experience -- keep your skills up to date, do your
job, and expect to be fired, but not until you've been humiliated, threatened
and demoralized, especially when it comes to training an underskilled replacement.
Oh, and most importantly of all? UNIONIZE! NB: AT WILL EMPLOYEE. -anonymouse-
Comment
06/04/09:
Even though it was a cloudy day with some showers in Poughkeepsie
around midday lunch hour time, at least these folks (current IBMers, RA'ed
IBMers, retired IBMers, supporters, legislators) care about keeping USA IBM
jobs where they are:
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20090604/BUSINESS01/906040336/Protesters++Stop+sending+
-keepUSAjobs-
Comment
06/04/09:
I have heard rumblings that IBM plans for the GDF relocation
is to try to force those workers not able to relocate to quit to save on paying
any severance. There might be severance they will pay out to some but they
don't want to pay it for all. -anonymous-
Comment
06/04/09:http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/04/bt_tech_mahindra/
BT slammed for
'importing' cheap Indian contractors On-site offshoring:
BT has been accused
of laying off expensive UK contractors and replacing them with Indian staff.
Workers brought in using intra-company transfers are replacing contractors
for about half the price, a contractor told BBC Radio 4. According to a
contractor working for BT Global Services on the National Programme for
IT - the NHS project, workers from TechMahindra, earn about ?220 a day,
versus ?400 a day for a UK contractors. The contractor told the BBC's File
on 4 it was a cost-cutting move. He said he'd got the figures from his line
manager. BT told the programme that it was looking to cut its dependence
on expensive contractors and that anyone brought in from India was a specialist;
intra-company transfers are meant to be for people with skills not available
from the British workforce. It said it had not replaced any permanent staff
with Indian staff.
-Sahib Sam-
Comment
06/04/09:
>>My manager told me basically the same thing, except he used the
terminology, you will be forced to "involuntarily resign".
Do you have
this in writing? Escalate it to Sammy boy if you have to. What do you have
to lose? Alliance is right, do NOT resign. MAKE them fire you. What do you
have to lose? What could they POSSIBLY threaten you with at this point?
>>He also suggested that I play the game
Oh really? Why, hasn't IBM 'played' the game they committed to decades
ago?
>>to accept and then not show-up for my first day of work.
Right, and give them the ability to fire you for cause and deny you,
your unemployment. Do NOT do this. Remember, this is NOT the IBM you hired
on with, it is a company none of us recognize anymore. Do NOT behave with
them as you would with the old IBM. Hire a lawyer if you can afford one.
Keep us posted.
Hey everyone else, you reading here? I found out yesterday that even good
do-bee IBMers read here, probably just to report back to upper
managerment. There's still time to unionize, think about it. You WILL be
screwed, first chance IBM gets. NB: AT WILL EMPLOYEE. -anonymouse-
Comment
06/03/09:
I have monitored this post since I quit IBM in October of last
year. There are still many people that I care about that have been left behind.
Please start making plans to leave... NOW. There is no future at this company
or any other technology company. Use your programming and technical skills
to land a position in a non-traditional specialized IT field. Find a company
that needs someone to do data analysis, user support, and technological advice.
Find a small company or a position with your current client. Positions that
are labeled as strictly data processing are leaving this country and will
not return. It does not matter what company you are talking about. Perception
has become reality. Your skills will no longer be recognized, your positions
no longer valued, and as a result your compensation will be comparable to
a manager trainee at McDonald's. If you are not axed now, you soon will be.
You are competing against H1B visas, corporate earnings, and clueless leadership.
Talent and demonstrated accomplishments no longer matter in this industry.
Especially if you have reached a certain age and income level. If you are
over 40 with a decent income level, you are as good as gone. Quit waiting
andstressing over the inevitable and do something to help yourselves. There
are many positions that pay more than you are making now that are run by decent
people with names you can both pronounce and spell. Start looking and ignore
all of the negative information you hear on the news and read in the press.
Get off your butts and get to it. Stop complaining and realize the INDUSTRY
has changed. Technology skills are still needed and valued. Just not in the
places that you are accustomed to looking in. Stop being comfortable and thinking
it won't happen to me. It's already happened. You just haven't recognized
it yet. -Macabby-
Comment
06/03/09:
To Mel B. My manager told me basically the same thing, except
he used the terminology, you will be forced to "involuntarily resign".
He also suggested that I play the game and when given a start date for my
new GDF location, to accept and then not show-up for my first day of work.
I believe if I did this, I would be fired and therefore, not be eligible for
unemployment benefits. Is anyone else going through this? I am being forced
to go to a job site in a different city and my commute will be 1.5 to 2 hours
one way. -To Mel B-
Alliance Reply: What do you lose if you tell them you WILL NOT 'involuntarily
resign'? Don't be a fool for IBM. Refuse to "play the game". Your
bound to lose if you choose to play. Force them to fire you.
Comment
06/03/09:
Rocky: anyone hear of more layoffs coming in canada for sales? I
need to know eather to start looking out there
Of course you should be looking. Either that, or trying to unionize to
try to get some leverage and a contract. We all should be doing one of those
two .
-irRational-
Comment
06/03/09:
It is shocking the info that was stated about the band break
down in the GDF. My dept is there and most of the IBMers (we have a few contractors)
are Band 8 or 9. I know at least one person who would probably respond to
be lowered to a band 7 by retiring. -in the GDF-
Comment
06/03/09:
Was part of the 'resource action' in February. Had been in
Administration for the last 29 years, 9 months. Looking for a job. Don't have
the credentials to land an administrative job. Unfortunately working for IBM
for 29 years and 9 months is now a hindrance in finding a job. I was always
so proud to be working for IBM, not any longer. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/03/09:
Got RA'ed today from S and C, GBS -RAed-
Comment
06/03/09:
Patriotism at its best... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=amBiYGyHOkZ8
-Counting the days-
Comment
06/03/09:
anyone hear of more layoffs coming in canada for sales? I need
to know eather to start looking out there -Rocky-
Comment
06/03/09:
To -MelB-: Agreed. If you decline to relocate, you are in no
way "resigning voluntarily". Looks like they're trying to get out
of paying unemployment. -CDI_drone-
Comment
06/03/09:
There continue to be job cuts in Rational Software Group in
RTP, NC. If you don't have the utilization of up front customer face time,
you are at risk. Even more so if you are over 45, IBM wants to get rid of
you. Rational is not doing well and mgmt are frantic to get the spread sheets
looking better by dumping older employees. No more Mr Nice Guy, i.e. no more
6 months, you only get 3 months severance at best now. -Glad2BGone-
Comment
06/03/09:
I heard that SWG layoffs - RTP will happen next week. Not wholesale cuts by
by 5/10 per area. -dilbert-
Comment
06/03/09:
This is the text I wrote in my appeal to the Dept of Labor
regarding denial of the COBRA subsidy.
Text in the Comments paragraph:
The subsidy is denied to anyone who has COBRA and who also has access to any
other plan. I was bridged to retirement at age 62 and I have access to the
IBM retiree FHA health plan. The problem is that the FHA plan is about twice
as expensive as the COBRA plan. To be denied the subsidy in this case severely
violates the spirit of the subsidy, which is to reduce the COBRA premium for
those who lost their job in this very bad economy. Because the FHA plan is
so expensive, I am keeping the COBRA health plan - but I have to pay 100%
of the COBRA premium. (I did not say anything about IBM's TMP benefit for
the medical part of the COBRA benefit). The rule should be changed - if a
person has access to another plan, they must take the plan with the least
cost in order to be eligible for the subsidy. -anonymous-
Comment
06/03/09:
Does anyone know what organizations or job categories are being
targeted for the GDF centers? I'm in Global Business Services (div. 5) and
I have not heard about GDFs. (which stand for???) (please don't use Acronyms
- it's hard to figure out areas that way-tks!)
-anon-
Comment
06/03/09:
Based on the spreadsheet that was printed off at my location,
the GDF EFK location is targeting first line managers to be Band 7 - BAND
FREAKING 7 for a first line manager. This Band also includes those with over
4 years of experience.
A "Level 2" employee (one that has between 1 and 4 years experience)
has this breakdown for staffing:
10% Band 4
80% Band 5
10% Band 6
Level 1 (those with less than 1 year experience)
50% Band 3
50% Band 4
Also included in this printout were required courses to take for those working
in the EFK GDF. Looks like all education dollars are going towards educating
GDF employees
-anonymous-
Comment
06/03/09:
Any other rumors regarding layoffs in RTP? Heard that June
was another round of hits -Anonymously-
Comment
06/03/09:
Google Wave: Why it's so good and [IBM] enterprise software
is so bad:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-10253223-16.html -Anonymous in Rochester-
Comment
06/03/09:
True Financial Conditions at IBM appear more dismal than is
publicized! IBM EFK STG is quietly cutting legacy contractor/vendor business
just for the immediate savings and justafiable business reason is offered!
We are among the staffing NUMBERS IBM USES TO GET TAX BENEFITS FROM NYS! These
types of business decisions should be counted amongst the WARN notices and
"sporatic" employee layoffs. IBM employees should know that tracking
these kinds of "savings" will show where RA's logically will be
targeted in the future. We work along IBM employees every day and see our
associates and friends leave and not come back to the line. We knew it was
just a matter of time they would get around to us too. Good Luck to all. Looks
like we are going to need it. How desperate are they? -IBM Contractors
Gone!-
Comment
06/03/09:
Yes, it's true. Forget about looking for a job internally.
Although it can't be proven, IBM managers have been told not to consider candidates
that have been RA'd because they can find a newbie or contractor to do the
job for less. The hiring manager doesn't want to go through the hassle of
trying to convince his/her boss that an RA'd employee is a perfect match for
the job. -Forget It-
Comment
06/03/09:
Based on my own personal experience, don't waste your time
looking for a job within IBM. I could not even get a mgr to talk to me. Use
the time to look outside. -goodtobegone-
Comment
06/03/09:
I have declined to relocate to a GDF Co-location. I was informed
by my manager that I will be required to "voluntarily resign" and
give a two weeks notice. There will not be any severance pay if you decline
to move to one of the three U.S. GDF sites (Boulder, CO, Dubuque, Iowa or
Fishkill, NY. -MelB-
Alliance Reply: What do you lose if you tell them you WILL NOT 'voluntarily
resign' ???
Force them to fire you. They'll need to come up with a reason...and it won't
be "the employee refused to quit". They can't fire you for refusing
to quit. Don't make it easy for IBM.
Comment
06/03/09:
I am in POK according to my "list" aproximately 700
were tapped June 1. We have 30 days to find work. The severance package is
like Greek to read through..and the "Job Opportunity Market" tool
is very convoluted . It takes like 15 minutes to apply for a job. I worked
there 25 years. I had a great appraisal. I was respected by my peers and customers.
-I am stunned-
Alliance Reply: We are sorry for your job loss. By what you have posted here,
it appears that you didn't know about Alliance@IBM until you got fired. Is
that true? If you did know; may I ask why you didn't try to organize before
this? We've been here 10 years. You were at IBM 25 years... Just curious,
no disrespect intended.
Comment
06/03/09:
Take Time program just announced for SWG... Yea right, take
some more time off when a lot of the project GA dates I am aware of are already
at risk.... This place is being run into the ground by our execs.. Got to
make those earnings numbers for next quarter... Looking more and more like
GM, Chrysler and Enron every day. -Gettin Hosed-
Comment
06/03/09:
Let's see: IBM has taken about $45,000,000 from a NY state
economic grant with the promise to grow jobs in the state and has to file
a WARN Act statement of letting go of ONE worker in East Fishkill, NY: LINK
IBM is not telling how many jobs they have added over the number they have
reported due to WARN. So how is IBM growing jobs in NY state? Furthermore,
to let go of one worker due to economic reasons is absurd. IBM made RECORD
profits in 2008 and has been making decent profits and revenues this year.
So were is the economic reason? -anonymous-
Comment
06/03/09:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Work-Visa-Bill-Threatens-bizwk-15423373.html?.v=1
Even the threat
of legislation to address H1B and L1 visa's is causing hiring in the US.
-Marbles-
Comment
06/03/09:
To all people . YOU WILL GET A BETTER JOB THAN IBM -Black thursday-
Comment
06/03/09:
I will be there 1230. Look for a large american flag on a Pontiac Minivan
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
IBM's current business mantra " A diarrhea of ignorance
wrapped in a constipation of bureaucracy" that pretty much sums it up
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
The GDF rumors are running rampant. I know one person who has
been given notice, a work-from-home employee. In the next few months all work-at-home
employees will be either relocated to a GDF or released... with no severance
when the final few rounds hit. -Terminally IAM-
Comment
06/02/09:
There have been firings the past couple of days in Rational
Development, Software Group in RTP, NC. Rumor is over 5% are currently targeted
for extermination. Nothing posted on NC Warn, so this is more stealth, flying
under the radar tactic which ibm has become very expert. Too bad ibm doesn't
make the same quality engineering effort in the products we make.
-SWGcutsNOW-
Comment
06/02/09:
I am so sorry to hear about the layoffs. My prayers are with
everyone who was affected. Does anyone know what is going on with the 30 year
ibm 'vetrans'. I am hearing they are being pushed into retirement. Are they
included in this round of layoffs? -hey-joe-what-do-you-know-
Comment
06/02/09:
In East Fishkill NY Former IBM workers than Micro Electronics.
going to Phillips and Now NXP are going to be laid-off. Starting in waves
of ~200 per week before they get their quota of roughly 600 unemployed workers.
Remember most were former IBM employees that were forced into being becoming
a vendor with no choice of their own and now the company is closing the doors.
-Set - Up-
Comment
06/02/09:
Regarding GDF relocation: There will be no severance pay if
you decide not to relocate to one of the three U.S. Co-locations. If you decline
to relocate, you will be asked to "involuntarily resign" and give
a two week notice. -melb-
Comment
06/02/09:
Archive post from 03/16/07 Good Luck to all you Lexington folks:
Comment 03/16/07: 10 Lexington DSM Ops Contractors let go so far
this year. 24 FTE slated to erode in 2007 with no plans to backfill--all new
work taken off shore or to Boulder. That takes Lex DSM head count from ~50
to ~20 by 3Q07. THEN, when the WellPoint account goes GR, Lex Ops will lose
another 10 FTE. Local Management trying to salvage some jobs by growing the
Duty Manager pool, but the whole recovery management process is unsustainable
and will be eliminated once Joanne Collins-Smee realizes it (via LEAN). ALSO,
>10 IBM Regulars (Internal Support, supporting Interlock Databases, Project
Office, etc) placed on Redploy List in RTP. I understand Operations in POK
has about closed their doors. Ms Smee has been brought in to speed the reduction
of Larry Longseth's organization (Hachet woman after McDonald's heart!) Time
for everyone to pull the covers off and tell what you know, so good decent
people can make informed decisions about their lives and livelihoods. As Jeff
Miller said to his management team the end of 2006; "might be time for
a gut check!" Save your money, and always remember what Sam Palmisano
told us 2 years ago: Right Skills, Right Place, Right Time. That means stand
it up off shore, then stand it down state side. Good Luck All. -Former IBM
1st Line- -Anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
Comment from Archive for all you Lexington folks: Comment
08/14/08: Heard today that Jeff Miller (Operations Director),
announced to his mangers (Nichole and Helene) that he plans to close the Southbury
and Poughkeepise command centers by early next year, if not sooner. This includes
mainframe, iseries, distributed and ebus. Jeff then plans to proceed to quickly
close all operations in Lexington and RTP. He has already moved close to 700
jobs to Brazil, India and other locations outside of the US. He has now told
Nichole that this number is falling short of Joann Colin-Smee’s target
and he has told his managers that 70 more jobs will need to be sent global
by year end. UNREAL! -Buckleup- -Anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
Lexington Kentucky being decimated as we speak. They will move
us to IA at current pay, then within a year cut our pay 20%. Bank on it. -Lexington-
Comment
06/02/09:
Got notified yesterday, at least 4 that I know of from our
group. -JobSearcher-
Comment
06/02/09:
I was RAed earlier this year, and found another job very quickly.
I have been receiving more and more emails to my resume address lately that
are for contractor positions at IBM. They are obviously not reading the resumes
of the people to whom they blast out these blanket emails, or they would see
that I have just left IBM... but what is interesting is that they are trying
to urgently fill these contract openings in IA, CO, CA, and other states for
the same types of positions that they are actively firing people from as well.
It is definitely NOT the case that the economy is hurting IBM. It is also
NOT the case that they need to rebalance the workforce based upon skills if
they are firing people while actively hiring contractors to do the exact same
types of work. This company had a magnificent profit in 2008. They are forecasting
incredible earnings for 2009. They increased the dividend to their shareholders.
But they are adding to the high unemployment level in the USA, firing the
workers that produced the profits while bringing in contractors through the
backdoor. This is without even mentioning the offshoring of work to other
countries. -Pork Chop-
Comment
06/02/09:
SWG Rational in Lexington, Ma - Lost our Rational Licensing
support group today. Not sure how many folks were RA'ed, maybe around 10,
but their jobs are going to India. The rest of us in Rational Support are
wondering when it will be our turn. -anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
To -MyTurn- what department and/or division? Just
what was your job function that went to India? I'm just trying to determine
which area(s) are getting hit. ITD is pretty large. -anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
In New York IBM filed a WARN for June 1st for IBM East Fishkill. One employee.
Departing on 8/31/2009. -Internal Accounts
are Dead-
Comment
06/02/09:
Will the last US person in IBM please turn out the lights on
your way out? -Hegedus-
Comment
06/02/09:
>>Job went to India. -MyTurn-
-MyTurn-, were you threatened under pain of severance/no severance to
train your replacement?
>>Either IBM will improve the employee situation, or they will fail
-Anonymous-
Good for you that you found a new job. No, they're not going to improve
the employee situation, they don't have to, and no, they won't fail. Sam and
the Board won't allow failure. NB: AT WILL EMPLOYEE. -anonymouse-
Comment
06/02/09:
"Get_Noticed- Are you going to be there with
us? We need supporters to show up for it since as you know the press loves
to see people in numbers. -Alliancemember-" If I could I would love
to be there, but I have to "work" at my new company. While the new
place does not have a union, they are a small family oriented company, 100
people or so, and know how to treat the employees. No complaints, better pay,
real bonuses, extra time off around holidays. Most of all no threats of layoffs.
No offshoring here. Good luck to you all. -Get_Noticed-
Comment
06/02/09:
RA'd today, should receive package info soon. ITD. Job went
to India. -MyTurn-
Comment
06/02/09:
I started with IBM in 1998. Since then the company has changed for the worse.
I don't agree with IBMs current business practices, and secretive layoffs.
I chose to 'vote with my feet', and resigned. I found another job. It's IBMs
loss (they've said as much to me). If you're not happy, leave the company.
Either IBM will improve the employee situation, or they will fail. It's as
simple as that -Anonymous-
Comment
06/02/09:
To -NextToGo-: While it may seem like a bad thing
at the moment, once you find a new job you will wonder how you survived at
this horrible company. PBC ratings mean nothing, never did. It felt like the
end of the world to me and the panic set in but within a few months I was
working closer to home for more money, no stress, no pager, no on call, no
overtime for free. Things happen for a reason. Keep your chin up.
-Gone_in_07-
Comment
06/02/09:
-Get_Noticed- Are you going to be there with us? We need supporters
to show up for it since as you know the press loves to see people in numbers.
-Alliancemember-
Comment
06/02/09:
Duty managers got the ax. jobs went to India. July 1 I am out
of here. At least 5 duty managers got cut. -30 days and Gone-
Comment
06/02/09:
>>get some media attention or it won't even be worth the effort.
-Get_Noticed-
10K employees have been fired since January. See any media attention?
>>I have 30 days to find a job. -NextToGo-,
You won't find a job. They make sure you won't find a job. Are you being threatened
to train your replacement? Good luck to you. -anonymouse-
Comment
06/02/09:
how about STG layoff? Is it also in June? What happened to
the layoff notices on 5/26, did anyone get notice last week in cali?
-cali anonymus-
Comment
06/01/09:
Believe it was a list being created for another upcoming resource
action. My 'manager' told me in december 08 that '{place name here} says our
team is 'safe' '. I knew then that {he or she} was lying, incompetent, ignorant,
or all three. A large portion of our team was notified of the resource action
in January. I believe {he or she} was actually lying, based on other changes
to team assignments during late 4Q 08. -believe it-
Comment
06/01/09:
I was RA'd today. I have 30 days to find a job. 2+ rating forever,
job is going to Brazil. -NextToGo-
Comment
06/01/09:
re the nc esc, you don't have to take a class every week to
get unemployment, the unbelievable (but confirmed) part is that you only have
to take one class to start the benefits, no reqt to continue each week. You
are eligible to collect after the 1 week waiting period - even if you registered
for a class that starts 3 mos. down the road, just take your registration
down to the esc for their records, some don't even ask for that. Online courses
also count. -nc employee-
Comment
06/01/09:
Anyone heard if there is going to be another round of layoffs
this month? A friend of mine went to work in India...man....he regrets it
big time. IBM is offering one way tickets to people to work in India and make
a lower salary. -McLoven-
Comment
06/01/09:
No comments about RAs today? I know there were folks notified,
at least one in SSO. -LowlySDM-
Comment
06/01/09:
no layoff news today? i know of one SDM in IGS that was given
the 30 day notice today but hadn't heard of anyone else. -curious-
Alliance reply: We have received 2 comments and
1 email in regards job cuts today. Anyone who has a RA package for today please
email to ibmunionalliance@gmail.com We do not know any numbers yet.
Comment
06/01/09:
June 1 cuts are happening in ITG, and I got selected. From
the tool provided on this site, it appears 3000+ are being let go. -anonymous-
Comment
06/01/09:
Make sure you tell the local news media about your action day
on Wednesday and get some media attention or it won't even be worth the effort.
-Get_Noticed-
Comment
06/01/09:
Heard from a good source that an across the board (all divisions)
"list" is being prepared, locked and loaded for an end of June execution
-ManyMoreToFall-
Comment
06/01/09:
Here is the future in software group. All coding and testing
jobs will be sent overseas and managers will stay in the US. That way US upper
management can keep track of the work via US managers, while those frontline
managers deal with con calls during the night with their employees and con
call during the day with upper management. If you want to stay at IBM, become
a manager ASAP. -Iseethefuture-
Comment
06/01/09:
>>But it might just be that IBM will shear and kill off the
approx. 100,000 USA sheeple soon (by offshoring all the jobs). -bahbahbah-
Or declaring bankruptcy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31030038/
Can't you just see der Führer salivating over the potential
pension and medical savings from all the retirees out there? I wonder if the
employees/retirees will rise up then? Naaaaaaaaah. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/31/09:
>>Alliance Reply: Fear Fear Fear.
Quite right. Ponder this:
"The tragedy
of our day is the climate of fear in which we live, and fear breeds repression."
The IBM employee has been repressed since 1999, at least, and is more fearful
than ever before. The speaker of the quote was Adlai Stevenson, the year was
1952.
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/31/09:
Was anything reported on this year's shareholder meeting? I
didn't see word one. Was anyone allowed by der Führer to stand up and
talk about the 10K IBMers fired since January? Why am I guessing no one was
so allowed. Was the very brave gentleman there again and did he ask der Führer
how he would get by on $20K a DAY while 10K employees were fired and their
lives ruined? Why am I guessing he was not so allowed. And still people talk
about the sheeple, who walk around thinking 'not me', 'not my job', being
brave and unionizing.
Nota Bene: AT WILL EMPLOYEE. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/31/09:
Three workers sue IBM Japan over forced retirement... So why not
a class action suit here?
'cause the average USA IBMer is a scared sheep (who also don't know how to
flock). They do nothing to try to better their plight. Until the Alliance
membership grows substantially this will be the case. But it might just be
that IBM will shear and kill off the approx. 100,000 USA sheeple soon (by
offshoring all the jobs). -bahbahbah-
Comment
05/30/09:
Question on appeal to DoL on denial of COBRA subsidy - can
you give me a little more help on an appeal. I am 61 and was within a year
to age 62 so I received the bridge to retirement. I had to sign a form for
this bridge along with the severance form that all laid off people sign. This
bridge to retirement links me to the FHA plan. The FHA plan is another plan
I have access to, and is the reason the subsidy was denied me. The DoL rule
for the subsidy says you do not get the subsidy if you have access to any
other plan. This is true per IBM even though I am not getting the FHA plan
but under COBRA I get the plan in effect when I left IBM. -anonymous-
Comment
05/30/09:
To my Alliance Reply - FEAR is right. Have you ever spoken
to a female who complained about sexual harassment and discrimination? Retaliation
is also covered under Federal Law - but IBM has their routine and script down.
Word up ladies - don't do it unless you have PICTURES, WITNESSES, or really
strong PROOF. Otherwise, don't come forward. They don't tell you that on the
intranet do they? And the Open Door (or whatever they call it today) - they'll
thank you and make it sound like it was your fault, then punish the managers
"behind the scenes". You will never know and you'll never get the
justice you expected - only the label that you Open Doored that will follow
you everywhere. Been there, done that, bought the T shirt. Might write a book
- who wants to join me? We didn't sign away the right to write on the RA forms
did we? -gotta-b-invisible-
Alliance Reply: Did you ever talk to an attorney? We have been told about
the sexual harrassment and discrimination, in the past. It doesn't get addressed
by IBM like it should. We agree, that it is not acceptable for a company to
gloss over the issue and 'punish the managers "behind the scenes".'
Contact Us and provide your email. We want to hear your story. It will
be strictly confidential.
Comment
05/30/09:
Article on Huffington Post on offshoring : We're bailing out
the economy boat desperately with stimulation, but the financial leadership
opposes plugging the hole in the hull from offshoring.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sen-ernest-frederick-hollings/lesson-learned_b_209165.html
-KC
The Super DOG-
Comment
05/30/09:
>>Wow! Look at this. Three workers sue IBM Japan over forced
retirement... Good for them. So why not a class action suit here? -anonymouse-
Comment
05/30/09:
Link below didn't work for me. Here's the actual Application
for Review of Denial of COBRA Premium Reduction:
https://www.askebsa.dol.gov/COBRA/?submit=Online+Application+%3E%3E
-anonymous-
Comment
05/30/09:
>>Yes, what is it going to take?
Good question. Since the screwing of 1999 brought no reaction from IBM employees,
my guess is nothing.
>> If IBMers don't hang together. Sad part is, since the screwings
of 2009, the answer is they won't. Ever.-anonymouse-
Comment
05/30/09:
Wow! Look at this. Three workers sue IBM Japan over forced
retirement.... -annonymous-
Here they go again, forced retirement.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20090530p2a00m0na012000c.html
Ich Bin Muede -Anonymous-
Comment
05/30/09:
It looks like there is a no-renewal policy for contractors
in the Vancouver area. Seems to fit in with the talk about contractors on
this comment board. -west coast canada-
Comment
05/30/09:
We're starting to see a lot of folks with over 30 years of
company time leaving ITD. Supposedly, IBM is offering this targeted group
some sort of package to leave. Does anyone have any details? Is this basically
a 'forced' retirement, where the pkg is just the same as any other RA package?
Or are they getting a different package? -miss understanding-
Comment
05/29/09:
>> Comment 05/28/09: Another good article on corporate ethics
& warning signals. "High earning expectation is a potential “warning
sign” as more often than not it leads to accounting irregularities that
may result in “abusive earnings management.” Revenues that consistently
match the analysts’ expectations should ring an alarm in the minds of
the auditors and stakeholders. "
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/4609/are-we-ignoring-warnings-corporate.html
-annonymous-
From http://www.auditintegrity.net/public/summary.ai?ticker=ibm:
International Business Machines Corp. is currently rated as having Very Aggressive
Accounting & Governance Risk (AGR), receiving an AGR Score of 13 out of
a possible 100. This places them in the 3rd percentile among all companies,
indicating higher accounting and governance risk than 97% of companies.
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
Responding to the question on how to file an appeal if you
have been denied the 65% COBRA Subsidy. Go to www.dol.gov/cobra
and you will see the 'bullet' point for Cobra Claim Denials on the landing
page in the left column. Fill out the form and carefully respond to all questions.
At the end of the application you will be required to indicate the reasons
you were excluded from this Cobra Subsidy. If you have any documentation attach
that. All I had was the conversations with the IBM ESC which I specified and
that I was specifically advised that I am not eligible. And furthermore, I
indicated that IBM considered me a retiree even though I was RA'd and the
loophole that IBM has used to deny my participation: Age + years of service.
Further stating that I am not a retiree, I was permanently laid off and at
no time was I provided with an information package as required to be sent
out to all on 4/18/2009 detailing the Subsidy program. -anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
See Huffington Post article on "New Tactics Emerge in
Campaign to Pass the Employee Free Choice Act"...
don't forget to comment but keep it clean, on point, etc. per the "rules":
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stewart-acuff/new-tactics-emerge-in-cam_b_209251.html
-KC
The Super DOG-
Comment
05/29/09:
You all think the current IBM employees don't want a union.
I don't think that's true. I just don't think they know exactly HOW to start
a union - and that includes staying anonymous UNTIL that union is formed and
they have protection. This website targets a few sites in the NY area - the
rest of the people have no clue what to do. Can you post a page or otherwise
send us info on the "bigger plan" ? Like exactly what is needed
at each site (if it's site driven), who the leaders are at each site (or if
you 1st need a leader at each site, and that is the problem), and what the
3-5 year plan is. If the answer is spelled out here on Alliance then it needs
to be updated; because I can't quite figure it out. If it's # of people who
join this website - I'd guess more than 50% of current employees don't even
know about this website. You almost have to plan a "blitzkreig"
with a massive email and advertising campaign. -gotta-b-invisible-
Alliance Reply: ok. Let me address your points 1) "Staying
anonymous until they have protection." If a member wants
to stay anonymous, that's their right and we respect it; However, if no one
they work with knows about the anonymous Alliance membership, then they also
won't know about Alliance. Our members need to organize, inside the company.
Once they have made themselves public about their Alliance membership and
their intentions to organize; they are protected by the their right to organize,
under Federal Law. Are there risks? Sure. But, playing it 'safe' until it's
ok to come out will not get you anywhere. 2) Alliance@IBM is already formed.
We already have members inside IBM. Those members need to step up their organizing,
and yes, let their co-workers know that they NEED a union contract. There
isn't any other process that will work better than that. 3) There is no 'bigger
plan' than organizing in ALL IBM US locations. 4) We will not broadcast the
'leaders' names at each site. See answer #1. 5) We have repeatedly done "'blitzkreigs'
with a massive email". We have been on CNN, local and national
Newspapers, the internet media; and we have held demonstrations and pickets.
We have appeared at IBM stockhoder meetings nearly EVERY year since 2000.
Your guess about 50% not knowing about us may be incorrect. The major issue
that you indirectly pointed to is "FEAR". That is the reason you
don't hear about Alliance@IBM in your workplace. Fear Fear Fear. If you are
afraid and you won't talk to your co-workers about Alliance (obviously you
know about us) then how do you expect to make any progress growing the member
numbers and raising your voice to IBM? Nothing will change for your benefit,
until you change it.
Comment
05/29/09:
Regarding unemployment benefits in NC if you have received severance pay...
here is the Q&A from the NC ESC FAQ: http://www.ncesc1.com/individual/FAQs/faqMain.asp#application
I received separation pay (or severance pay, wages in lieu of notice, vacation
pay, etc.). When should I file a claim? You are not eligible for unemployment
insurance benefits for any full week covered by separation pay, vacation pay,
etc. (nor may such a week count as your “waiting period week”).
Generally, you should file your claim the first week after the period covered
by the payment (if the last week of the payment is not a full week’s
pay, you may file that same week, although you possibly will still be ineligible
due to excessive earnings). IMPORTANT EXCEPTION: Individuals receiving severance
pay are considered to be unemployed (and, therefore, may file a claim) during
any week that they are registered at or attending an institution of higher
learning, a secondary school or an approved training program.. You must provide
documentation of your school attendance/registration, and you must meet unemployment
insurance “availability for work” requirements.
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
When are we going to organize a protest against H1B visas?
It is 1 thing to off-shore work, it is totally another to import cheap labor
to take our jobs. PM at NYPD has stated his goal is to replace everyone ,except
2 key client facing people, with Indians. I see numerous job postings that
state they are looking for "landed GD resource" - that's code for
an Indian on an H1B visa. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
Any update on the alliance membership drive? Did we reach our
goal? -member-
Alliance reply: We wish we had great news but we don't. We gained 19 new members
for the month.
We also lost a few because of job cuts. Thank you to the new members for seeing
the value and need for the Alliance.
Comment
05/29/09:
-Exodus2007- Absolutely right! Great insight!!! Sheep also
know how to flock for protection. I am still absolutely amazed and appalled
that the sheeple (most IBMers) haven't even learned that yet apparently. If
they don't want union (why they never say) then why not at least make their
collective voice felt for the benefit of all? Yes, what is it going to take?
If IBMers don't hang together they will surely hang (be RA'ed) separately
(with thanks to Bennie Franklin). -anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
- Plus IBM management gets paid much better than even the top
techies- This isn't entirely true, at least not from a 1st line manager's
perspective. There are 1st line managers who have employees that make MORE
than they do. Why? The employees were outsourced to IBM. What's this tell
you? IBM doesn't pay competitively. First line managers fall into band 8 and
band 9 ranges, most are band 8s from what I've been told. -anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
Well some of us have joined the Alliance recently. I've heard
nothing about big June STG layoffs but assume this will be a more surgical
strike this time. Remember labor unions are the reason why (most of us) do
not work Saturdays and have a 5 day work week. Lest we forget that this is
a benefit that was paid for in blood in the 1930s. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
Regarding North Carolina, does anyone have any background regarding
the process of qualifying for unemployment if you received a separation payment
from IBM? I have seen information that is a little confusing on whether a
person is eligible/ineligible for unemployment if a separation (or termination)
pay was involved. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
To -Exodus2007 Yes it is happening AGAIN!.
IBM is firing employees just because they can.- That's
a little over the top. They're not doing it "just because they can".
They're doing it to meet their commitment to an EPS number. The sad thing
(well, it's not really
sad, more shameful) is the EPS could likely be met or even beaten if each
executive from Sam to 3 levels down would take a 15% pay cut.
But why take a pay cut when you can fire people... -anonymous-
Comment
05/29/09:
Has anyone who was RAed been successful in submitting a petition
for the TAA program benefits? It would seem that the IBM Resource Action is
a prime candidate for this program. And that once a petition is accepted,
then all 2009 RAs would be blanket covered by the first approved petition.
TAA has to do with benefits for people affected by offshoring. A petition
requires signatures of 3 affected employees. http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/
-I-Want-My-TAA-
Comment
05/29/09:
Yes it is happening AGAIN!. IBM is firing employees just because
they can. They are starting with contractors and will soon get around to regular
employees. And yet again no massive number of people have joined the Alliance
to try and slow down or stop this terrible attrition. The old saying that
the beatings will continue till morale improves is true at IBM. Calling Management
names will not solve it. This situation at IBM defies a basic rule of physics.
For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. IBM pushes and few
react. Its like the IBM workforce has become zombies. So buried in their own
little ruts they just go through the day like robots. It is so very sad. I
have heard the word sheeple to describe them. Sheep at least bleat when they
are getting sheared. The French rose up against King Louis. Americans rose
up against King George. IBMers need to rise up against King Samuel. Otherwise
expect the beatings to continue. He can only assume that you like them.
-Exodus2007-
Comment
05/29/09:
If you are still considering yourself an "IBM'er",
have even the remotest pride that you work for "IBM", you are a
frog whose world is IBM. Who cares what happens to this company - self-preservation,
with or without IBM, without be even better. LOOK AROUND. THINK.
-MD-
Comment
05/29/09:
Here is the Onion's take on people offshoring their own jobs.
We all can use a good laugh now. http://www.theonion.com/content/video/more_american_workers_outsourcing
-anonymous-
Comment
05/28/09:
Sammy Palmipoopo and Randy MacDonald are on a mission to transform
IBM. The are getting rid of all old timers that are interested in protecting
their job and joining the Alliance. IBM will soon be full of Generation Xers
who couldn't care less about a Union and a long term job at IBM. All they
want is a job with IBM to get 4-5 years of experience and move on. While I
support the cause of the Alliance it dosen't surprise me about the low number
of people joining. Sad but true. -Alliance Supporter-
Comment
05/28/09:
"Offshoring Big Blue" http://www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=3067
-annonymous-
Comment
05/28/09:
Well the dorks that are IBM management don't get RA'ed as much
as non-management. Plus IBM management gets paid much better than even the
top techies. -anonymous-
Comment
05/28/09:
Please detail how to find the form to file with the DoL on
the COBRA problem with subsidy. I do not see a link for this when I use the
link on this page. -anonymous-
Comment
05/28/09:
Another good article on corporate ethics & warning signals.
"High earning expectation is a potential “warning sign”
as more often than not it leads to accounting irregularities that may result
in “abusive earnings management.” Revenues that consistently match
the analysts’ expectations should ring an alarm in the minds of the
auditors and stakeholders. " http://www.deccanherald.com/content/4609/are-we-ignoring-warnings-corporate.html
-annonymous-
Comment
05/28/09:
Layoffs for contractors in Yorktown and Hopewell junction started
today, I saw guy laid off just as shift ended, they made him work the whole
shift and rode him about work and then laid him off with no notice. Dumb contractor
boss let it slip IBM is definitely planning a June resource action and is
starting with contractors this time. The contractor boss let it slip that
the email she recieved on Wed morning stated they wanted to minimize the bad
press they have been getting -anonymous-
Comment
05/28/09:
"I would not be surprised to see a LOT of people at all levels
leaving esp. when the economy starts to improve."
Yes you are correct. We have seen this before. People hear about layoffs
coming. They get their house in order, send out their resume and above all
else they make the mental break with their current employer. They decide that
they can leave, maybe even that they want to leave. They layoffs happen. They
organization fires all that they want. You might think it is over, but it
isn't. For the next 6-9 months those people who reached their "activation
energy" during the buildup to the layoffs still keep leaving as they
find better jobs. I saw this in IBM at business unit that was actually hiring
while there were massive layoffs in other areas of IBM. That business unit
continued to loose key employees for months and months even though they didn't
fire a single person and in fact hired many of the people who were fired from
other areas. The stealth nature of these layoffs and IBM's lack of candor
with it's employees makes the reality of an event likely again. The current
economic recession means that the effect might be stretched out over a longer
period. By that I mean both the firings by IBM AND the continued voluntary
separations after IBM is done spilling blood. -BFL-
Comment
05/27/09:
Those who tried to post to
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sam-palmisano/shining-cities-on-a-smart_b_206702.html#comment_24669459
, and failed, should try again now. A lot of great comments
are getting through!
And thanks to Anony-mouse for the link to
http://ethicist.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/when-layoffs-are-immoral/#comment-4431
The main article is about Caterpillar, but comments #89, #126,
#133 are about IBM. See also today's follow-up:
http://ethicist.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/an-update-on-mass-layoffs/
-Gorya-
Comment
05/27/09:
John: Not only does IBM choose dorks for management but only
a dork would want to be a manager there, besides, won't IBM only confirm dates
of employment and last salary? -anonymous-
Comment
05/27/09:
Just filed an appeal with the the Federal DOL as I have been
denied the 65% COBRA Subsidy. Hope more individuals will be filing claims
who are in this boat to build momentum behind this..thank you
-Appeal-
Comment
05/27/09:
Just got the axe from STG sales in Canada - not many of us
left. Makes sense as we are not selling anything anymore. I was afraid to
leave IBM - guess what I'm already fielding offers from partners for more
pay - boy was I stupid to hang around. Must say I dont want to give any managers
names as references - seems IBM chooses real dorks for management - not sure
why - but real dorks - cant be trusted. That is the big problem - references.
I am sure glad to get away from sametime, and weekly cadance - what a total
joke - glad it is over. -John-
Alliance reply: Sorry
for your job loss. Good luck to you.
Comment
05/27/09:
IBM and Wal-Mart have paired up to off shore the Wal-Mart IT.
They are beginning now, 1st they are training contractors on the IT systems.
Then for approx. 10 weeks after that these contractors will go to India to
train the people there on the Wal-Mart systems. After they are trained the
shift will take place to India. -anon-
Comment
05/27/09:
US: H-1B workers outnumber unemployed techies: ComputerWorld
Link -anonymous-
Comment
05/27/09:
I would not be surprised to see a LOT of people at all levels
leaving esp. when the economy starts to improve. There are many fine people
with a conscience and do not buy into the leadership strategies and lack of
ethics. You reap what you sow.
http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/news/story/5224183/
-anonymous-
Comment
05/27/09:
>>Alliance reply: Dumb question: What's "NB:" mean?
I don't recognize the shorthand.
Nota Bene: Latin for Note Well. It's an imperative for those who think
Sammy boy will grow a conscience when all he will do is terrorize and humiliate
and threaten and then fire more and more American employees. All that is left,
to the IBM employee, is to unionize. -anonymouse-
Alliance reply: Thanks. Note Taken. Well
said. I
use a longer version when I send out Tweets--> Remember:
At Will Employee=no union contract=no voice in the workplace=no protection
from IBM's abuse.
I like yours even better. :-)
Rick
White
Treasurer, Organizer, Web Maintenance
and Health & Safety Representative
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org
Twitter ID: @allianceibm
Comment
05/27/09:
>>EXCELLENT NY Times blog >>This video about out-sourcing
is so funny.
Yes. Immoral. Funny. Both are good sites and both have points. Yes, outsourcing
is immoral and yes, the comic video was funny. The problem? Sammy boy is laughing
at both, all the way to the bank, and there is no one to stop him. NB: AT
WILL EMPLOYEE. -anonymouse-
Alliance reply: Dumb question: What's "NB:" mean? I don't recognize
the shorthand.
Comment
05/27/09:
I'm a day late, but read this EXCELLENT NY Times blog on the ethics of massive
layoffs... http://ethicist.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/when-layoffs-are-immoral/#comment-4431
-Anony-mouse-
Comment
05/26/09:
>>This is the bona-fide, de-facto blog board for any scoop on IBM.
Yes it is. The other Yahoo boards were very valuable during the screwing of
1999, but the screwing of 2009 is a unique one. Fear, paralyzing fear is rampant
(thanks in a big part to the threats of severance/no severance by management),
and those being screwed are even afraid of posting at the Yahoo boards. So
they come here. And thanks to the Alliance for providing this anonymous, protected
board (even if corporate apologist trolls get in sometimes, they are quickly
routed). So, if you don't want to be threatened and offshored and RA'ed and
treated like dirt, join the Alliance and make noise. NB: AT WILL EMPLOYEE.
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/26/09:
I worked for ibm from 1999-2008 -Cindy-
Comment
05/26/09: This
video about out-sourcing is so funny. Enjoy!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/68913/onion-news-network-more-american-workers-outsourcing-own-jobs-overseas#s-p1-st-i0
-Drgunzet-
Comment
05/26/09: Neal:
They don't take 401K out of your severance but the Feds withhold 25% plus
SS. If you have state income tax they'll take their chunk out too. CA withheld
more than I pay all year. Wound up with 60% of the gross amount. Free in NC:
I laid a patch leaving the main entrance too, immature maybe, but felt great.
Playing "I Feel Free" by Cream, loud with the T-tops off on a warm
sunny day... -ex-SVLer-
Comment
05/26/09: First
- I think, regardless of whether a union can/is ever formed - this website
serves a HUGE BENEFIT for employees. It is the one place where people can
go to get the "heads up" and maybe get a head start looking for
a transfer, or "wise up" on what really happens at IBM. This is
the bona-fide, de-facto blog board for any scoop on IBM. Support Alliance
and let others know about it (and the tricks on how to navigate to where all
the juicy comments/info is, you have to click on the Comments line on the
left, then PAGE DOWN a few... it's the paging down that most people miss).
-gotta-b-invisible-
Comment
05/26/09: Looks
like the weekday moderators at Huffington Post are letting more posts in.
than the weekend people. But what really is interesting is that there is a
link to Sam's piece on w3...comments and all. Apparently no one in sam's circle
is reading the comments or it certainly wouldn't be on the w3 homepage.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sam-palmisano/shining-cities-on-a-smart_b_206702.html#comment_24669459
p.s. good job for those that got through...keep it up. -Lost it-
Comment
05/26/09: Got
the word. June 1st IGS layoff notifications. July 1 exit. Quarterly targets.
-No Numbers-
Comment
05/26/09: IBM
(actually, Fidelity) is WRONG about their ruling that exIBMers who have access
to retirement healthcare are not eligible for the full COBRA subsidy. They
are just flat wrong. Unfortunately, the only avenue seems to be contacting
the DOL, as THERE IS NO WAY to find a name of an IBMer who is responsible
for this CRIME. -atalba-
Comment
05/26/09: Just
a thought: the typical 30 day notice does not (usually) allow you to change
your 401K deduction in time to make the payroll cutoff. If you "think"
something might happen", maybe you should consider bumping up your deduction
in time. You can always go back and lower it if nothing happens. Remember
you will have your severance, which will last for a while. I don\'t know if
401K is taken from it too but it's possible. You just might want to stash
as much in your 401K while you can.... -Neal Watkins-
Comment
05/26/09: anonymous,
just ask your manager to ask his rep for the link to prorated vacation days
per month. If IBM is consistent, your last day will be a day short of your
last month but that's not a huge surprise is it? -Anonymous-
Comment
05/26/09: "Freedom
is a road seldom traveled by the multitude..." I got my walking
papers and checks today. I burned rubber in the parking lot while blasting
"Schools out" by Alice Cooper! This has been the most stress free
I have felt in 12 years... same amount of time I have spent on the 'plantation'.
Those who are still hanging on, PREPARE NOW! Get your finances in order. My
wife and I did a while back because tech jobs are not stable, and most tech
folks know this which is why many won't bother joining a union. They would
prefer to just hop around and try and hold on to any job they can get til
they are 70 with no quality of life. They 'hopping' thing started back in
the tech boom and hasn't stopped. I am free now and will enjoy some time off
and work on my skills for my next job. I encourage those who feel a union
can help or even if you are on the fence, to go ahead a join. Tech jobs have
too much competition worldwide unlike automakers, etc. Any clown in these
BRIC country and lie and say they have credentials because none of the yahoos
are really checking their background. All they see is cheap labor... ibm Has
no more innovation or a clue and hates competition which is why they would
prefer to go cheap on everything to make it look like they are profitable.
It will all come tumbling down... And I will be here to laugh... Be prepared.
-Free in NC-
Comment
05/26/09: I
am disillusioned with this alliance thing now, why are you guys trying to
save employees who do not wish to be saved ? The alliance has been around
for a while now, and if there was to be a union, there's been enough time.
It's an idea, a union feels good, gives people a purpose, a mission, and it's
an attachment to this idea, but facts speak differently. Yes, the CWA has
done some good work in bring about awareness of IBM's mal-policies, but IBM
lawyers are way too smart. Huge chunks of employees have already been let
go, so who will you guys have in this imagined union ? I am not being rude,
neither disrespectful, but guys, it's time to search your souls. The CWA serves
a good purpose doing what it's doing now, the hope of a union is a distortion
to reality. There will hardly be any employees left to be in the union, even
if the CWA reaches the threshold. The one thing I can do think of is this,
and I am going to personally practice this now, I will make every single effort
to eliminate IBM as a vendor for my new employers, I will try every single
means to supply any revenue to this firm. We are NOT IBM anymore, neither
are many of you, and I recommend hitting their bottom lines, if their are
IBM'ers working for you as consultants, treat them humane, but the firm should
not et any contracts from your firms, no government contracts (yes, write
to your congressmen, senators, the president), it is tax-payer money that
IBM will take from government contracts and employ people in BRIC countries.
That is the ONLY recourse left. Alliance, your thoughts? Not in a defensive
mode, but pause, think, then respond. My best to Lee and others. -MD-
Alliance reply: The Alliance is more than a "union
idea". We are a membership organization and advocate for employees. That
too is part of our mission. As has been said before: we are in this for the
long haul and we will keep fighting as long as there are IBM employees in
the US. Our advocacy work for tech workers on offshoring and job cuts will
continue and we are reaching out to non-IBM workers as well. There needs to
be organizations for worker interests. It is up to people to support them.
If you don't then the corporations win. So even if you don't work for IBM
anymore our work for tech workers nationwide needs your support and membership.
Comment
05/26/09: >>Comment
05/26/09: Hope this is not a dumb question. If I get RA'ed and have not taken
any earned vacation days do I get credit for them to increase my severance?
-anonymous-
Not a dumb question, just dumb managers who don't answer them. No, you
don't increase your severance, you get a separate check for earned vacation
days, which are pro-rated.
>>Comment 05/26/09: No. American companies do not care about the
offshore risks.They also do not care about the quality of the workforce nor
the products coming out of that workforce. All they care about is a quarterly
bottom line and how fat their wallet is.
Amen. How else do you think there is still no backlash on the TEN THOUSAND
employees fired since January? Think that's just a fluke? It's not, no one
cares. NB: AT WILL EMPLOYEE.
>>Comment 05/26/09: @ -RA'd 2/262009- I'm finding the same issue;
Huffington Post moderators won't let any of my comments through either. Apparently
they don't want comments that reflect badly on IBM & Sam P. vis-a-vis
layoffs and innovation around offshoring. -CM-
Does Sammy boy own them? -anonymouse-
Comment
05/26/09: I
tried to post on the Huffington Post also, and my comments never made it out
there. -miss understanding-
Comment
05/26/09: If
you get RA'ed, you don't get a higher separation amount. You get any unused
"earned" vacation as an additional payment. -Beat Up-
Comment
05/26/09: @
-RA'd 2/262009- I'm finding the same issue; Huffington Post moderators
won't let any of my comments through either. Apparently they don't want comments
that reflect badly on IBM & Sam P. vis-a-vis layoffs and innovation around
offshoring. -CM-
Comment
05/26/09: No.
American companies do not care about the offshore risks.They also do not care
about the quality of the workforce nor the products coming out of that workforce.
All they care about is a quarterly bottom line and how fat their wallet is.
I just had a refrigerator go south on me. It was a 1.5 yo Frigidaire. Compressor
died and of course the entire box is made in Mexico, I did not know that when
I bought it. To add insult to injury, the help line was Fridgidaire via India
!! They would do nothing for me. Never again. IBM's parts are no different.
Components falling off the boards and laying in the box when you open it.
DOA parts. Parts with defective test sheets shipped as new anyway. It's a
total mess. I remember when IBM made everything right down to machined parts
made in Endicott. Those days are long gone. Just to keep on topic, I now hear
cuts in NY are pure speculation. Who knows. They will lie throw their teeth.
As for the Alliance/union, I am all for it and was an early organizer. For
SSR's, sadly it's a lost cause because they still are like sheeple and believe
mother IBM will take care of them. Even the smart ones who were recently hired
stick around. I really don't get it. It's like battered women syndrome where
she stays around because "she loves him". Do they still give a psychological
exam prior to employment? That would explain it. IBM hires the ones that fit
the mold. -YouCanCallMeAl-
Comment
05/26/09: Hope
this is not a dumb question. If I get RA'ed and have not taken any earned
vacation days do I get credit for them to increase my severance?
-anonymous-
Comment
05/25/09: Do
American companies know the risks they incur by moving too many jobs off shore?
Terrorists abound in or near the countries America is off shoring their jobs
to. American security is top notch but still has flaws. Now, imagine how worse
the security is in some of these other countries! Can you image the chaos
if some these off shore IT support sites were attacked? God forbid, American
IT support will come to a halt! In your anger you may think this is a "good"
thing. Teach these companies a lesson. But something like that will affect
all of us (with or without jobs). Look at what happened in California when
some vandals cut just ONE fiber line - business came to a halt! Its not just
about off shoring jobs, I think there is a bigger issue here. Companies like
IBM are not just being disloyal to the employees who have helped to make them
what they are, but they putting America at risk! It's un-American in more
ways than one! Think about it...and be concerned. -Concerned!-
Comment
05/25/09: More
cuts coming in Rochester, MN manufacturing and support groups according to
the rumor mill. Sounds like the last Thursday in July. Hang on!
-JJ-
Comment
05/24/09: The
Huffington Post moderators won't let any of my comments through. Hope you
all have better luck with your attempts at comments. I can't get anything
in. -RA'd 2/262009-
Comment
05/24/09: Can
we not keep this section for information about job cuts? There is far too
many postings griping about Sam's compensation, corporate aircraft etc. If
IBM wants to improve productivity they need to seriously look at the minority
of employees who are abusing the work from home privelige. Most people who
are still allowed to do it are working very hard from home. There is a few
who are accomplishing very little and have been doing so for years
-Tiredofbigblew-
Comment
05/24/09: Ref:
-RA'd 2/26/09- Shining Cities - Smarter Planet? I don't
think so. Dirty slums covering the globe and a new feudal system - that's
more the vision. -Neal Watkins-
Comment
05/24/09: Just
when I think it can't get worse, it does. Now they are paying tuition for
Indian employees to get their MBAs! AND they complain of high attrition rates
in Indian employees. So - let me get this straight. They fire American MBAs
who have proven their loyalty for 20 years and instead shell out tuition for
disloyal employees in India to get online MBAs? Yeah. That makes a lot of
sense. (At least my MBA is "real.") -annonymous-
Alliance reply:
There is somewhat of an irony to this. During the IBM boom of the 1980's,
a similar situation occurred. For example, once a 2 year degree'd, junior
engineer got in his/her first or second service year with IBM; they would
signup to go back to school and get their 4 year or even their MBA, Phd, or
whatever and take an educational LOA. There were some that left IBM for Microsoft
or whomever, a year or so after they completed those academic accomplishments,
because they were dissatisfied with the assignments IBM gave them. It's ironic
because their disloyalty sparked IBM's policies to change, in this country,
as a result. This is from my observation while working in a development engineering
department, from 1984-1990.
Comment
05/24/09: TWO
NEW Gulfstream 550's on order @ $70M/ea. Does this come with the enhanced
failsafe security package? Geez Wouldn't two four seater Piper Cubs suffice?
Heck they cut costs on everything so why not here? It's greed. Plainly so.
-anonymous-
Comment
05/24/09: -RA'ed
in Jan- I agree with you but I have to leave or get RA'ed to get my hands
on my pension. That's what stinks. I wish IBM would just cash me out now.
But like you mentioned they use it as a company asset (I think I heard it
called a vapor profit?) so of course they want to keep it and get their greedy
fingers on it if they legally can then they have no liability to pay it to
us. -anonymous-
Comment
05/23/09: A
small bit of advice to those RAed and who have the cash-balance "pension".
For the "old" plan, this does not apply, nor for the "401k-Plus"
but.. I've been reading a lot recently where companies declaring bankruptcy
end up having their pension plan as an asset that can be attached by creditors,
essentially screwing employees/retirees. Now, we all know what IBM did to
get to the "cash" balance in 1999, and we also know that IBM is
not likely to declare bankruptcy any time soon. BUT! As they did in 1999,
IBM may well be able to find another legal loophole that will eat, diminish,
remove etc your still-held-in-IBM cash-balance pension. It IS a company asset.
It's easy to leave it there when you separate from IBM. IBM wants you to.
My advice is TAKE IT OUT NOW. Consult a financial advisor and roll it into
a qualified plan so you don't take a tax hit, but DO NOT leave it there. IBM
can do anything within the letter of the law to it. TAKE IT. It's yours! If
you don't, IBM can do things to it. Don't take the chance. It costs you nothing
to take it. It also is a silly process that takes about 90 days. Consult a
financial person, then call the ESC and get the process going. Don't take
a chance on losing what you had left of your pension. (BTW, they can't hurt
your 401K because that is not a company asset, but I took that as well - who
knows what fees IBM buries in there - I'd rather manage it outside IBM's clutches.)
FWIW... -RA'ed in Jan-
Comment
05/23/09: And
let's not forget Sams 2, yes TWO NEW Gulfstream 550's on order @ $70M/ea.
The argument of essential for secure transportation doesn't hold water. These
are to REPLACE the 2 he ALREADY has. Guess the leather gets a bit worn after
12 yrs or so. -Amazed-
Comment
05/23/09: To
RacerX: I agree. My post of 5/8 states the future climate of IBM. Different
words, same message "Comment 05/08/09: The 40+ IBM employee population
is dwindling - no news here. There will be a generation shift beginning now.
The new employees coming in, whether here or in BRIC countries, will have
little to no expections of this corporation. They will have a job with a stated
salary, that's it. They will work until they either burn out or find a job
elsewhere. IBM will get the job done, one way or another, and as cheaply as
possible. As an employer, the bar has been lowered for IBM. "
-anon-
Comment
05/23/09: >>So
here's another free way to spread the word since our congressmen aren't exactly
coming to our rescue.
Good job, -RA'd 2/26/09-, BUT, this is from the CWA site:
CEO IBM Sam
Palmisano
1-Year Pay $21,300,000
5-Year Pay $57,580,000
Annual Pension
$4,000,000
Do you think
Sammy cares what anyone says?
I spoke to an employee the other day. He 'just' wants to 'make it' to retirement
eligibility. Do YOU think the employees are ready to rise up and unionize???
IBM (legal) figured it out 'good' this time. All the bloodshed of 1999 with
none of the backlash. Brilliant.-anonymouse-
Comment
05/23/09: To
RA'd 2/26/09... You must have gotten quite a response to this because
I cannot get logged on to comment over there. Here is my response:
Oh, SJP…you
sure can spin a yarn. My knees are red from the pounding they took while I…
LMAO. The initial J must stand for Jumbo to match that ego of yours! Well
old sludge, I am not trying to ridicule you out of your position….but
really Puddin’head you need to humble yourself long enough…TO
GET OUT OF that corporate jet and walk around sometime. Where did you come
up with those statistics?
“In 1900, only 13 percent of the world's population lived in cities.
Two years ago, we crossed a threshold -- for the first time ever, more than
half of us were urban dwellers. And by 2050, that number will rise to 70 percent.
We are adding the equivalent of seven New Yorks to the planet every year.”
You are going to create seven New York cities! Puhleez. I hope you can create
those cities without the pollution, slums, bums on the sidewalk, unemployment
lines, crack houses, thieves, muggers, hobos and tramps sleeping under your
shiny new trains. Geez Sammy get a grip. If anything people will be moving
away from your shiny cities, leaving them to rot like ghost towns because
they cannot afford to live there. You, personally, have left a “cloud
of witnesses” and added to the shining cities’ unemployment lines.
Go on old man try to lay your hands upon the annointed servants you have created
and plug them into your smart grids all over the planet. I dare you! If, we
the people, are truelly smart, and I know we are, it will be US that plug
into OUR grid and SELL the freely created non-polluting energy back to your
sorry ARSE. Because the public should own the energy, you old wormy carpetbagger.
You opportunistic creep. How long do you and others of your ilk think we are
going to continue vacillating? Hmmmm? You better get your bags packed Mr.
International Bag of Manure. There are millions of people out here, educated
in the GOOD OLE U. S. of A., that have promised themselves to be rid of the
cosmic greed mongers like yourself. Harpies like you, who are preying on and
trying to create a global, one world order where we all fall in line like
sheep being herded towards their untimely deaths. You think you are going
to plug me into your MATRIX! Fugettaboutit. Sammy old boy take your shining
cities and stick them where they don’t…GO UNION! Let’s take
back our country, our money, our FREEDOM and let these slick, slimy, clammy,
glutinous, miry, mucky, mucous covered, muddy, scummy, scamming, scheming
SOBs who want to kick us while we are down take a global sojourn from which
they never return.
Fellow IBMers please join this UNION today! -just1waiting-
Comment
05/22/09: As
a former ibm’er I feel very sorry for the folks who are hanging on to
the broken promises which we heard from our managers. These promises, which
were reinforced by ibm’s basic beliefs and opinion surveys, caused us
to stick with ibm while hoping that some of the top brass would remember us.
As a current customer, I feel very sorry for the folks who are working around
the clock, to support our systems. It’s clear that ibm doesn’t
care about the front line. Less than half of the transitioned staff still
works for ibm. And they are still trimming. But we’re paying full price
for ibm to provide service, so we’re left with no choice but to insist
on the service we’re paying for. Since they aren’t cutting us
any discounts, I’d rather see you use the union to increase your pay
- than to see the exec’s take all the profits. Our service would be
better if we were serviced by happy employees. As to ibm’s future, hundreds
of thousands of former employees and current customers have a lot of ill will
towards IBM. Good luck. -anonymous-
Comment
05/22/09: Palmisano
wrote a piece on Huffington Post about his vision for a smarter planet. I
urge you all to start posting a comment. It was on there this afternoon (business
section) and there are still less than 12 comments as of 9pm eastern. You
can guess which one was mine. So here's another free way to spread the word
since our congressmen aren't exactly coming to our rescue. Here's a link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sam-palmisano/shining-cities-on-a-smart_b_206702.html#
-RA'd 2/26/09-
Comment
05/22/09: July
1st date for salary increases saves 1/12 (8%) of the increase amount this
year. It also moves the increased salary costs into the 3rd quarter.
-Simple Math-
Comment
05/22/09: Union
is doing a good job - keep it up -anonymous-
Comment
05/22/09: For
-just-me- The rumor I heard June's RA will be announced between 5/26-5/29.
Supposedly it will not be as big as the last RA. Can't confirm which divisions
or sites to be affected. -anonymous-
Comment
05/22/09: A
msg posted on the w3 site states IBM is moving the salary increase date from
June 1st to July 1st. Something about aligning with the cycle of sales teams.
Sounds like another lame excuse to save 1 months worth of salary payments
across the board. -miss understanding-
Comment
05/22/09: To
-just-me- : You people continue to amaze me. The WARN reports show lots
of layoffs in June. Many more smaller firings not even covered under those
reports. Have you signed up as a paying member yet??? I'm always amazed at
people looking for more info on upcoming layoffs. YES IT"S COMING. The
only way to protect yourself is with a UNION. If you are sitting around wondering,
yes it's going to happen to you and soon. -RAd_in_07-
Comment
05/22/09: I
hear that major cuts will be happening in the SSR field June 1,2009. In particular
the NYC office will be hit badly...
All rumour, but from some very reliable (in the past) sources. This sucks,,,,
-YouCanCallMeAl-
Alliance
reply: It would suck less; if you and your co-workers had a written contract,
signed by your union bargaining rep and IBM management...wouldn't it? It would
suck less; if instead of waiting to sign up or being afraid and waiting to
organize, you had already done those things and your CWA rep was telling you
"no worries" about layoffs because IBM had agreed in the contract,
to notify everyone months in advance of a layoff and those notified would
be able to come back to work when things get better...wouldn't it?
Comment
05/21/09: I
was part of the March resource action and am honestly relieved that I'm no
longer around to see and/or help ITD achieve its goal of off-shoring the remaining
the US resources. People have known for years this was going to happen, so
I can't say it's a surprise. As has been stated before, it makes financial
sense when 3 or 4 off-shore resources can be funded by the cost of a single
on-shore resource. But, it's still hard to swallow when the company is wildly
profitable and the world is in the biggest recession since WWII. Lastly, I
feel worst for the IBM'ers who dedicated 20+ years of their lives to the company
and are now looking to establish a second career. They managed to survive
the layoffs of the 90's, only to get caught in this latest wave.
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/21/09: An
article by Jim Hightower. http://jimhightower.com/node/6823
-just1waiting-
Comment
05/21/09: While
this article is not specifically about IBM, it does point out flaws in the
PBC process:
http://www.jacksonfish.com/blog/2009/05/21/employee-performance-reviews-do-more-harm-than-good/
I've always thought having a nontechnical person (i.e., your manager) inform
you every year how good he thinks your technical skills are is a rather strange
company policy. -Anonymous in Rochester-
Comment
05/21/09: Is
it too late for a union? Why join now that I am RA'd or forced into retirement.
The answer is simple. If you are ra'd but plan to stay in the industry you
probably will have dealings with IBM. God forbid you may even get " Aquired
" by IBM. If this happens being in the union already may help you regain
seniority or at least give you some say in writing into a contract that IBM
must honor past years of service . If you are forced to retire the only way
I can see most of us ever seeing a raise in our pensions or return of the
defined pensions is through a union contract. If for no other reason at least
spend the 5 bucks a month to be a pain in Sammys ass. The wild hair that festers
and irritates. Who knows. Maybe we can cause him some discomfort on his cushy
throne. -Exodus2007-
Comment
05/21/09: Cobra
and TMP are still coordinated, Neal. My 1st 6 months of COBRA is the TMP benefit.
Then 12 months of just COBRA for a total of 18 months. -anonymous-
Comment
05/21/09: I've
been looking for a job as a Software Engineer since I was layed off in February...
I noticed that IBM has a job posting for Boca Raton so I checked it out...
I'm so surprised, it's for an intern... -cut-loose-in-Feb-
Comment
05/21/09: Try
to kill off wmiprvse.exe in the Windows Task Manager processes. Actually I
thought this wmiprvse.exe was a worm (of the infamous Windows OS based "run
always" variety) on my laptop. If you can't kill the process I went one
better before I was RA'ed and removed wmiprvse.exe from my laptop and cleaned
up the Windows registry to totally remove it. And then I would inspect every
time that IBM ISSI routine that installs and updates software on the laptop
more closely. Aw, shucks, I guess I was RA'ed because I don't have TECHNICAL
skills. Your loss now IBM! Of course IBM is using this to find folks who they
are targeting for future RA's. You can bet they want to find some IBMer looking
at this website on their laptop so don't do it on the IBM laptop! Do it on
your own PC. Yes, IBM is monitoring for this. They will deny the existence
of the Alliance but IBM fears it for sure! -bigbrowatching-
Comment
05/21/09: >>Oh,
is that what you think. 'Get Real?' Folks: 'Get Real' is a troll and
a corporate apologist. Pay no attention to 'it'.
>>Had a discussion with my 2nd line manager a few days ago.
Apparently, all is not well in the GR-world. IBM is having problems meeting
deadlines for offshoring the accounts.
Awwwwwwww, isn't that a shame. You mean a MONTH of training under threat of
severance/no severance wasn't ENOUGH to impart DECADES of experience to some
frightened underskilled worker overseas who overstates their competency ????
IMAGINE THAT? Thanks, -miss understanding-, this is good to know.
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/21/09: >>I
was classified as 'retired' when RA'ed in Jan after 12 years service, so lost
the FHA. I don't understand how this saves IBM money. Can someone explain?
-anonymous-, has no one explained that the FHA, farce that it
is, is only available to those with 30 years or aged 55? You were not
eligible. How does this save IBM money? Read the Yahoo boards, it saves them
TONS of money to give to the executives and to Sam, who will get $20K a day
in HIS retirement. By the way, you weren't 'retired', you were FIRED. Think
the severance is 'pretty good'? Think again. It's 'pretty good' when you are
retirement eligible (and even then there are mitigating factors), it is NOT
'pretty good' when you miss out on retirement eligibility by two months and
lose out on your FULL pension and the FHA. Know that IBM wins, every time,
you don't. Oh, and notice how quiet everyone is? Before you know it, the Rapes
of 2009 will be but a distant memory, just as the Rape of 1999 is. One word:
unionize. If you don't, you deserve to be screwed. How sad. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/20/09: Letting
people go who are close to retirement kind of makes sense in this climate.........
-GetReal-
Oh, is that what you think. 'Get Real?' I think that YOU ought
to get real because it won't be long that you will be in the same position
and other younger workers will be saying that about you. Except--you make
alot of stupid assumptions, which doesn't surprise me. You assume that most
people who are getting laid off have already paid off their mortgages and
have no kids in college??? What are you--the typical IBMer who happens to
make 30 years and the retirement you might have been promised, but will never
get?? So let me tell you, you little 'know it all but OH so little'--I was
laid off at 50 years old. I was a single parent whose daughter was a few years
away from going to college. She is in college now--since I left about four
years ago. She is going to a community college--which I never imagined, but
now am thrilled that she is doing this because she knows her mother has struggled
enough to pay even those bills--but she is very smart and talented, and will
probably go to a good school for the last two years. Only she is smarter than
I--she won't work for a piece of shi* company that is lousy to its employees.
She is WAAYY too smart for any of the IBM jobs--and certainly more ethical,
so that she wouldn't take them if they were offered anyway. Obviously, your
post contained several assumptions, which you indicated. Unfortunately, you
did not assume that in most cases you were wrong, yes wrong, as in failure
for writing something so stupid.
How can you assume that someone over 50 is in fact ready to be laid off? Especially
if that person(s) will LOSE most of the retirement
that these people worked for for 25 years or more?? Unfortunately, I have
to think that your post gave me a little chuckle at the same time. I'm sorry
you are such a young and naive child. Those are who IBM should be laying off.
During my years I trained kids from Cornell, Yale and even Harvard--I was
hardly impressed because most could barely put a sentence together (IN ENGLISH)
without making a mistake. From your post, I gather you are one of these kids.
So sorry for you. When I left school, I left knowing I actually learned something,
You, unfortunately, did not learn much. How long has it been since you have
opened and read a newspaper? If you don't see what companies are doing to
people now--and will do to you, one day--and yes, they will, then, my friend,
you are pretty much of a dope.... Perhaps that is why you are happy and comfortable
at IBM now. You are surrounded by many other brain-washed idiots who lack
the abilty to think for themselves. I'm so sorry for you. You might have been
something one day, but clearly you are naive and very shallow. Go back to
school for a few years. That might help. But again, it might not. -anon-
Comment
05/20/09: It
"used to be" that TMP and COBRA were coordinated. You get 18 months
of Cobra but the first 12 months are IBM's TMP. Once that was done, you get
6 more months of full COBRA. A total of 18 months. -Neal Watkins-
Comment
05/20/09: Has
anyone heard anymore about the June layoffs? June is just right around the
corner, and I haven't heard as much as a peep of a rumor. -just-me-
Comment
05/20/09: Had
a discussion with my 2nd line manager a few days ago. Apparently, all is not
well in the GR-world. IBM is having problems meeting deadlines for offshoring
the accounts. There are problems in the BRIC with employee turnover. Many
of the employee's are leaving on their own and others are being fired because
they don t have the necessary level of skills). They also are having problems
getting the skills they need as fast as they need them. -miss
understanding-
Comment
05/20/09: I
was resourced after 35 years of service April 27. Elected retirement. After
doing a lot of phone calls and writing, IBM is correct , the subsidy of 65%
for COBRA does not apply. They are telling me that since I have two alternatives
for medical coverage
retirement coverage which will run me $1700 month for a family of 4 or TEMP
COBRA $397 for 12 moinths, as compared to the subsidy of $138 month, I do
not qualify and the IRS has made this ruling! So once again we get screwed
again! -Anonymous-
Comment
05/20/09: To
GetReal, I think you need to get real. People in this age group have had their
retirement savings hammered by the economic situation and have little time
to recover even if they continue working. After they lose their job they have
little chance of getting another job especially in the same salary range.
You think these people continue to work at IBM for the fun of it?
-anonymous-
Comment
05/20/09: IBM
is monitoring the access of all employees - where they go, what they do using
their laptops. The process which will display on your task manager is wmiprvse
(wmiprvse.exe). You can find more information about this here ->
http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/wmiprvse.exe.html
There is nothing you can do about it, they have the right to
install what they want on their laptops. If you do need to access the network
- make sure it is legitimate. -MD-
Comment
05/20/09: To
DoneInEndicott um, start here: http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workforcenypartners/warn/warnportal.shtm
There's a Contact Us link on the left. Nothing specific for ratting on companies
that bypass the WARN act, but might as well start with your local DOL rather
than the Alliance, who will probably point you to your local DOL anyway.
-anonymous-
Comment
05/20/09: I
just read an article titled: "IBM spent more than $2M lobbying government
in 1Q." This partially explains the apparently corrupt relationship that
IBM has with the government. See link below.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/IBM-spent-more-than-2M-apf-15304059.html?.v=1
-John-
Comment
05/20/09: Hey
GetReal - IBMers over 60 have had their pensions cut, some as much as 30%.
They have not had the luxury of time to grow a 401k to replace it, and many
of the 401ks were just about wiped out in the recent crash. Many analysts
now say that people will have to work until they're 75 to make up for these
hits to their planned retirements. It's not up to you to go around pointing
fingers and deciding who needs a job and who doesn't, especially if you lack
a thorough understanding of what has happened to older workers in the US.
-Anon-
Comment
05/20/09: The
Business Week article "Why I Love Exxon" challenges IBM's job cuts.
Because of IBM's $1 Billion dollar advertising budget, IBM is almost untouchable
in the media. Thanks to those who are taking an activist role to promote IBM
worker rights and get the message out. Even though changes happens one person
at a time, change is happening. See below link.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/may2009/sb20090519_070871.htm?campaign_id=yhoo
-John-
Comment
05/20/09: The
reason they have not cut the Severence is simple, it does not cost IBM anything
to provide the severence. All the costs are charge to the Pension Fund. In
adition IBM takes a tax break, that's why they always say they are taking
a charge of X Million, they are writing it off even though they are not paying
it. Seems to me like someone needs to tell the IRS and get somebody to spend
a little time behind bars. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/20/09: Alliance,
do you know how to file a complaint against IBM for not filing WARN notices?
They have no problem filing them for Hudson Valley location, even when the
numbers are under 50 (assume politics come in to play), but for those of us
in Endicott, they have been hacking away year after year under the radar with
no notification. I counted 60+ at the DOL meeting in April and there were
several others who did not attend. Also, is anyone else planning to file an
EEOC complaint? This needs to happen and the group in Endicott would have
no problem showing the disparity as 80-90% of the people were over age 50.
We may not be able to get anything from IBM financially but we should get
together and expose this discrimination for what it is. -Done
in Endicott-
Comment
05/20/09: Clarity
is needed I think on this COBRA situation (for those who sign-up for COBRA)
and FHA. It is not as bad as it seems, I think. This is what I understand
the rules to be. Double check with the employee service center. I was told
that during the 18 month COBRA period, everyone keeps the plan they had when
they were at IBM. For a while you get the IBM TMP benefit which means you
pay the same thing you paid when at IBM. When the IBM TMP period is over,
you then pay the full group premium plus an admin fee for the remaining 18
months of the COBRA period. Only when the 18 month COBRA period is over, does
the FHA group plan choice, and it’s higher premium, kick in. Normally
after COBRA you are on your own anyway, and FHA at least gives you access
to a group plan. Those who are eligible for retirement when they leave IBM,
including bridged or who fall into the rule of 65 (age plus service = 65 or
more), get access to the FHA plan (even if not to the money) or other IBM
retirement plan. This makes them ineligible for the 9-month 65% COBRA subsidy
by the federal rules. Access to ANY other plan makes this subsidy ineligible.
BUT IT DOES NOT AFFECT THE PLAN CHOICE UNDER COBRA. Under COBRA you still
get the plans you had when you left IBM (medical, dental, etc.), all which
get the subsidy if you are eligible. So revisiting my own numbers –
single person and IBM POS plan. The only real problem by not having the subsidy
is that I have to pay the full group premium for dental (the IBM TMP benefit
is medical only) and because it is so high without the subsidy I now have
no dental coverage. My example numbers are:
COBRA – 6 months - $0 premium – with the IBM TMP (NOTE –
6 months of the subsidy would not reduce a $0 premium).
COBRA – next 12 months - $357/month (2009 IBM POS group rate) (NOTE
the subsidy would only reduce 3 months when the 9 month mark is reached).
AFTER COBRA - $614 / month (2009 FHA group rate)
In addition to clarifying the 9-month 65% COBRA subsidy. The
rule is you do not get the subsidy if you have access to any other plan (besides
that offered by COBRA). The point of the subsidy is to offset the high cost
of the COBRA premium that uses up a big chunk of unemployment money. It seems
that the change that is needed in the subsidy rule should be - you should
be allowed the subsidy if the plan you have access to costs the same or MORE
than what is offered by COBRA. That would be in keeping with the intent of
the subsidy. If the IBMers affected can be organized for a petition to take
to the DoL and Congress - that would carry big weight to get attention on
this little problem with the subsidy rule. Alliance: THIS AFFECTS ALL CWA's
workers and all companies - can their union leaders organize a campaign for
this????? -Anonymous-
Comment
05/20/09: BTW,
it's been 10 years since the great pension heist and you USA IBMers still
haven't woke up and unionized! If you wait much longer, say, through
2010 there will not be much IBM presence in the USA. The "guy just stating
the facts from someone on the inside" is right
and I can understand why he is being so blunt about it.
-anonymous-
Comment
05/19/09: I
was classified as 'retired' when RA'ed in Jan after 12 years service, so lost
the FHA. I don't understand how this saves IBM money. Can someone explain?
Also, as bad as IBM has become, the severance package is still pretty good
compared to most other companies. Anyone care to speculate why they haven't
cut the severance, or is this just another aspect of the schizophrenic nature
of IBM? -anonymous-
Comment
05/19/09: Letting
people go who are close to retirement kind of makes sense in this climate.
Assume that a person with a "normal" lifestyle at the age of 60-65
should not have any debts, no mortgage, no studying children anymore and in
great need to enjoy the last phase of life without working. Besides that it
does not make sense for IBM to invest in somebody who will go on retirement
in a few years anyway. Compare this with laying off people who are in their
midlife, still have a long careerpath ahead, with kids growing up, a fat mortgage
and all other burdens that somebody typically has at the age of 35-45. I think
the age discrimination act should be taken seriously to protect people over
45, but not the ones over 60. The ones over 60 should make space for new generations.
I think that targeting the older workers is the least painful approach, in
terms of finances. -GetReal-
Comment
05/19/09: For
anyone in Canada with a disability who has been RA'd due to their job moving
to a GDF, see a lawyer. There are laws in Canada in regards to accomodation
and from what I am reading, IBM is violating them. See:
http://www.ofl.ca/uploads/library/disability_issues/ACCOMMODATION.pdf
-helpothersreceivejustice-
Comment
05/19/09: anonymouse:
It's too late for just a union. At this point, a union that is actively gaining
the attention of the media (and I don't mean just in Poughkeepsie - or Armonk
- or Endicott). There need to be protests in Washington, NYC, Chicago... led
by the union. If you want more people to join, they have to know the union
will do something that gets noticed. Second, we need to all individually get
the attention of not only our fellow employees, but also the attention of
our federal and local politicians. We need to make these politicians not only
understand the problem (and it's bigger than just IBM), we need to also visibly
show them how many people (how many potential voters) are concerned and willing
to vote on this issue. A union will only come when the majority of employees
think the union can help fix the problem. -CM-
Comment
05/19/09: we
all see that you are making tremendous efforts for IBMers to sign up. I'd
like to suggest that if you have access to all IBMers contact list, make them
"members" by default pending free sign up or an "easy click
button" on your site with no memebership fees at all. Once you have large
number sign up for free and you begin to implement your goals with enough
strength and IBMers see a difference, you can charge a one small life time
fee or very low yearly membership fee. You have to get enough strength to
make a difference and value of your existence. You have to get out of "catch-22"
situation by trying some un-conventional ways. -Shy_from_Ny-
Alliance
reply: Thank
you for your support and your suggestions. We do appreciate your opinion and
ideas.
We can't "make them members by default pending free sign up";
without their permission. That's illegal and we would be closed down by the
Federal gov't and possibly face jail time, if we even attempted to. We already
have a link that "allows" subscriber level or "free" membership
to Alliance for a limited time. We have offered the "free' status for
some time (10 years), and have realized that many of those "free"
members never would take the next step and organize their co-workers. They
would continue to get "free" help and information from us, as long
as it lasted and then they would disappear, for a variety of reasons. We still
have thousands of "free" subscribers, because of their constant
interest and continual layoffs by IBM. "Un-conventional" is being
tried and has been tried. We need the funding of dues paying members to keep
this site and the organization available to IBMers that are truly interested
in forming a union. "One small life time fee" even if it came from
a few hundred people; will not sustain us, nor the mission. The rate of layoff
churn and the fear, fear, fear that is prevalent among many IBMers, governs
the situation. Put down the fear, step up to the plate, decide that you are
going to fight and not expect someone to hand out a union contract to you
without your pesonal involvement and effort; and you will see change happen.
Comment
05/19/09: >>This
guy is just stating the facts from someone on the inside
That may be, but many employees and retirees have been 'stating the facts'
since 1999, and look at all the good it has done. Stating the facts can be
done in a much more diplomatic way than was done here. But no matter, the
employees are screwed anyway if they don't unionize. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/19/09: I
see your post on appealing the problem of no COBRA subsidy for those with
"access" to FHA (but not enough years to get any money). This problem
affects those retirement eligible but with less than 15 years service. Like
many I do not have the 15 years needed to access FHA retiree health money.
But being retirement eligible, I do have “access only” to FHA
in order to buy these retiree health plans – they are much more expensive
than the non-retiree plans. And the FHA plans do not get the COBRA subsidy.
Premium costs in 2009 without the 65% subsidy is (for my single person plan
of IBM PPO and Dental Plus):
1. Medical FHA $614/month (non-FHA would only be $357/month which is $125/month
with the subsidy).
2. Dental about $55/month (non-FHA would only be $44/month which is $15/month
with the subsidy). There is no form that I can see as yet at the DoL website.
I think it would be a great idea to centralize this somehow for people affected
so we can go to the DoL with a group list and know how many are affected.
-anonymous-
Comment
05/19/09: Quit
on my own accord as after many years of service. Working at IBM stopped being
fun, and is certainly not the IBM I signed up for years ago. I know some pockets
of quality folks still hanging on, figuring they will wait for a severance
package or another pie-in-the-sky perfect job. Some people were college hires
and IBM is all they know. My advice to them is if you can work at IBM, you
can work anywhere.
Find a place that will provide you with meaningful work and will treat you
decently. If it's not very meaningful, make sure you get compensated well
working for some other corporate behemoth. Scary, but when has the world ever
had certainties? Speaking of certanties, last I checked there is no legal
guarantee for IBMers of a severance package... -sector7g-
Comment
05/19/09: the
long arm of IBM's abandonment of the US workforce: From the Harrisburg, PA
area "Due to IBM outsourcing jobs to Argentina, a number of staffing
agency employees have lost their jobs, Jen Boyer, branch manager for the Harrisburg
Office of Manpower International, said. Last week, Manpower International
received notice that 17 of their employees would be laid off when IBM decided
to transfer their jobs to Argentina, Boyer said. "It's shocking; it's
definitely shocking," she said. Some employees will be working until
the end of June, others until the end of July, Boyer said. Although unemployment
has reached its highest level since 1984, the Harrisburg area's unemployment
rate of 7 percent is still one of the lowest in the state, David Black, president
and CEO of the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce and CREDC, said. -union
member-
Comment
05/19/09: To
Anonymouse: You'reScrewedBaby is just telling it how it
is. He's gone in 6 months, and owes neither IBM nor its employees any allegiance.
Maybe this 'in your face' approach is what's needed to get the point across.
Yes, IBMers are screwed, no matter what their situation. This guy is just
stating the facts from someone on the inside who has nothing to lose. So,
I'll say thank you to this person for his honesty. In a tough, and perhaps
unpleasant way, he's just dropping the bomb, taking leave, and telling us
to do the same. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/19/09: You
can draw your own conclusions about contractor status. Also more support for
TAA documentation.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/05/local_staffing_agency_employee.html
-annonymous-
Comment
05/19/09: >>
I'm getting paid $45/hr to process your sorry asses. -You'reScrewedBaby-
How nice of you. Someday, perhaps, you will get yours?
>>IBM
Atlanta Software Entitlement management called back the recently laid off
employees because the India employees are walking off the job during and after
training.
Awwwwwww, isn't
that a shame?
>> I found out later that IBM gave me 30 days because they had
to by state law.
Did you also have to train your replacement, under threat of SEVERANCE/NO
SEVERANCE?
Management was disrespectful, insulting, demeaning, moronic, and humiliating
in the last months of my decades long career. Someday, perhaps, they will
get theirs?
>>Sammy
better rethink his company policy of treating his employees like shit.
Nope, never
going to happen. Why should he? He is Lou's clone and will continue to screw
his employees until there are only 50K left in America.
Unionize. THAT
is the ONLY answer. -Anonymouse-
Comment
05/18/09: "Anyone
who still works for IBM seriously needs their head examined. What a garbage
company; I was fired (I like using that term instead of resource action) and
have found 10-15 jobs within a month, for better pay, better benefits and
I don't have to listen to IBM management (the best part). What's best is,
I am on the other side now, I am the customer for IBM; prepare for some hellish
times when I get payback. I'll be calling IBM for support everyday, plus I
eventually plan to weed them out of the entire picture so more of you IBMers
lose out.
Have fun!! "
I feel the same way after getting RAed by IBM. My slime ball manager gave
me 30 days to find another job. What he didn't tell me is that I was wasting
my time trying to find one in IBM. I would apply and no managers would respond.
They would not return my phone calls. I found out later that IBM gave me 30
days because they had to by state law. I have a new job now and you better
believe I will crap all over IBM when they come calling. Sammy better rethink
his company policy of treating his employees like shit. -Anonymous-
Alliance reply: 'Sammy better rethink...': He will do nothing of the sort.
Instead of focusing on what HE should do, the focus should be and should have
been, in your case, what YOU should do or should have done.
Comment
05/18/09: IBM
Atlanta Software Entitlement management called back the recently laid off
employees because the India employees are walking off the job during and after
training. Every week there are new India Rep. names on the customer records
regarding support. Turnover is high. Hardware Entitlement is next. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/18/09: For
the folks in RTP (NC): we will have our regular lunch on Thursday 5/21 at
Chili's@8341 Brier Creek Parkway (11:30 am). One of the topics of discussion
will be the TAA petition. So if you think you're affected and could benefit,
please drop by. Also check the thread titled "TAA Program for RAed IBMers"
on the Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RAed2009
Thanks. -ex-SWG-
Comment
05/18/09: I
am a contractor through Kelly Services working at HQ Markham office in the
HR OPS Support Dept. My 6 months ends next month. If any of you think that
the RAing is done by end of June or July, you're nuts. Our Word Documents
are back-dated all the way to Christmas in terms of getting an idea how busy
they are over there. In terms of demographics of people getting fired. People
who came to IBM from a buyout/takeover regardless of years served get the
axe more often that IBMers who came right off the street. After that, it is
all over the map, regardless of age, branch. Even if your manager is pissed
at you and you bring in the most money or do the hardest work, you'll get
the boot. The less you tell people and mention to your manager that you came
from a take over/buyout, the better off you are. I don't know how the 'office'
environment is over in the USA, it may be different. I've seen disjointed
companies over the years from contracting work, but never have I seen so many
people be proud and scared and stressed and pissed off working for a company
than IBM each and every day. There are tons of people in the Markham office
alone that don't even have their High School Diplomas or GEDs after 5-10 years
working for IBM and they have lasted longer and make just as much as people
with university degrees, but came off from the street. Now that is a embarrassment.
For me, money is great. as a contractor, I was not told to reduce my workload
or reduce my time clocking in the hours. I'm getting paid $45/hr to process
your sorry asses. -You'reScrewedBaby-
Comment
05/18/09: To
those who are asked to come back to IBM after being RAed. I would suggest
getting a lawyer before signing anything to be re-employed with IBM. At the
very minimum, I would get a legal signed document from IBM stating your past
years of service will be re-instated, so in the event of ANOTHER RA against
you, you won't get f'ed over with a fresh hire date. Probably won't fly very
far, but worth a shot. -anonymous-
Comment
05/18/09: I
have the opposite COBRA issue as some have experienced. Here is how it worked
in my case. I am eligible for 6 months IBM subsidy after separation based
on my years of service, so I was supposed to pay $227 a month (instead of
over $800 at 102% rate) for my wife and myself. Then I got a letter in the
mail early this month from ESC telling me about Obama COBRA rate reduction
act and when I checked in Netbenefits, I was only charged $79.45 a month (65%
off AFTER IBM subsidy). I have to call ESC to decline the rate reduction since
I am also under my new employer plan. I wanted to keep the IBM plan for 6
months because it covers some treatments not covered under my new employers
plan. -exSVLer-
Comment
05/17/09: Life
is definitely better outside of IBM. I found a job in April with better pay
and great management that leaves technical people alone to get the job done
(no more BS PBCs, give-back, etc. from management). I was angry at IBM initially
but this may have been the best thing to happen in my career.
-RAed in April 2009-
Comment
05/17/09: >
IBM Atlanta Software Entitlement management called back the recently laid
off employees. If IBM offered me my old job back at 3 times my old salary
I'd tell them where to stick it. Life is too short to waste any more of it
in the hell hole IBM has become. -anon-
Comment
05/17/09: >>When
will people get it? The only time to say 'Shame on you" is when the IBM
contract negotiators ask the Union contract negotiators why they insist on
something in the contract and the Union negotiators say, "Shame on you
for screwing the employees on this issue for years." Now the employees
require it be defined in their contract.-Exodus2007-
Excellent post, -Exodus2007-, especially the paragraph above.
When will they get it? I doubt they ever will. The employees didn't get jack
in the ten years since the rape of 1999, do you think a few thousand jobs
sent overseas is going to be THE defining moment for these people? I don't.
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/17/09: >
IBM Atlanta Software Entitlement management called back the recently laid
off employees.
Wow. If they asked me, I wouldn't go back, because I have a new job at a higher
salary. However, it certainly would be fun to toy with them and play with
their minds for a bit before turning them down. -Anonymous in
Rochester-
Comment
05/17/09: When
will people get it? The only time to say 'Shame on you" is when the IBM
contract negotiators ask the Union contract negotiators why they insist on
something in the contract and the Union negotiators say, "Shame on you
for screwing the employees on this issue for years." Now the employees
require it be defined in their contract.
This is how people "Survive" without a union. They come up with
a project and a process that screws everyone else that they are in charge
of so it makes a name for them and they survive as long as their project survives.
Its called every one for themselves. As long as you resist embracing the concept
of joining with your coworkers for the common good, this is the work environment
that you create. If its not your project you're screwed. If you do not have
managements ear you're screwed. You may be right. You may be the smartest
. You may be the youngest. You may be the oldest. You may be a man or a women.
You may be the hardest working but you're still screwed. In business you get
what you negotiate. That is the very first thing they teach business majors.
The second thing is an oral agreement is not worth the paper its not written
on. When negotiating get everything in writing. A wink and a promise are no
good. Remember IBM told people when they retired all medical would be taken
care of. Not in writing. Not taken care of. Stop expecting a Disney ending
to employment at IBM or any other company for that matter. And they lived
happily ever after does not happen in the real world. What does happen is
"And they sued the pants off of their employer for breach of contract
and won a fair settlement". The key word is contract. Only with a contract
can you "Shame " IBM. As in, They breached the contract and its
a shame we had to sue them. Now we got what we were owed and a penalty to
boot. They could have saved the stockholders a fortune by following the contract.
IBM will continue to sidestep laws like Cobra reductions, WARN and any other
law they can sidestep. This is what corporations do to save money. What smart
employees do to protect their jobs and families' security is they negotiate
and work under contracts. As most employers will not have a contract with
a single employee unless you have crazy mad skills that few, if any, people
in the world have; then your only chance to have a contract is by jointly
negotiating a contract with your co workers. -Exodus2007-
Alliance reply: Well said. We agree with you.."When will people get it?"
We hope sooner than later. Thanks Exodus2007 for your support and wisdom.
It is welcome here anytime.
Comment
05/17/09: >>
IBM Atlanta Software Entitlement mangement called back the recently laid off
employees. Management reason, "The replacement India employees need more
training".
No kidding. There was an attempt made against those fired in GBS to force
them to train their replacements beyond the first month of forced training.
Happily, the severance had already been announced and those doing the threatening
no longer had the severance club they used during the first month. What will
IBM Atlanta Software Entitlement do to those brought back, fire them a second
time? If this weren't so pathetic and evil, it would be funny.
-IBM SUX-, there already is a group, RAed2009, and there isn't any
interest in an EEOC claim. The subject is a dead one. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/17/09: To
annonymous re: filing an EEOC charge for age discrimination. If you have strong
interest in pursuing that you may want to consider creating a yahoo or google
group. This Alliance comments page, although invaluable, is not really
enabled for threaded conversations; which is what you need. Personally I'm
not convinced there is enough upside benefit to spend energy and time pushing
an EEOC claim, but I am willing to listen to the arguments. -IBM
SUX-
Comment
05/17/09: IBM
Atlanta Software Entitlement mangement called back the recently laid off employees.
Management reason, "The replacement India employees need more training".
It appears the that IBM Exec's were not happy according to the 1st and 2nd
management. Note: the India replacement's are in training from the summer
of 2008. Another coverup by local Atlanta management for the real reason/problem.
You can't make this stuff up. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/17/09: >>
IBM's recent unusual behavior also was noticed by Forbes and Seeking Alpha
and may be of interest.
So? Will all those fired since January be reinstated and given back their
jobs currently being done by overseas personnel? Or will IBM just laugh this
all off and continue on as before? Exactly. Remember: AT-WILL-EMPLOYEE. Looks
like all those employees complaining after June 1999 should have organized.
Oh that's right, there WEREN'T that many employees complaining after June
1999. Those not affected just went quietly back to work. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/17/09: Hello
all, I am a former IBMer that was part of the IGS sale to AT&T a bit over
a year ago. I have a couple of questions if anyone like me still visits the
alliance's site.
1) Is there a website like this that exists for AT&T?
2) I am hearing very legitimate rumors of a large layoff of us former IBMers
coming this week. Has anyone else heard anything? After
having just gone through a re-org in the past couple of weeks I know numerous
employees that have been offered 'safe' new positions in the company. Their
understanding is that those not offered new positions are not safe this week.
Any info would be appreciated. Thank you. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/16/09: I'm
convinced that this new bureaucratic time and money wasting garbage such as
GenO, RTC (Rational Team Concert), and Career Point is designed to make us
quit to save $ on severance packages. It's the worst Sisyphean labor BS to
come down the pipes of IGS in years....someone is building their career on
this garbage to the detriment of the rest of us. Shame on those selfish, bureaucratic
rats and their technical henchmen who are forcing this down our throats! At
the end of your days, won't you feel guilty about your self-serving anti-contribution
to IBM? SHAME! -Anonymous-
Comment
05/16/09:
IBM's recent unusual behavior also was noticed by Forbes and Seeking Alpha
and may be of interest. There is apparently a lot going on behind the Big
Blue curtain. The below Forbes link has more information about the Audit Integrity
report by IBM.
http://finapps.forbes.com/finapps/AccountingRisk.do?tkr=IBM
The below Seeking Alpha links to an article that cuts through
IBM's BS and exposes major flaws with IBM's business plan. The author playfully
lumps some of it all into one sentence and describes IBM's strategy as "jacking
up the dividend, then doing a big ol' share buyback to lure in longs and scare
off shorts, resulting in a short-term pop in our stock. Yes, we have a bunch
of liabilities that we should probably pay off first, but we'll deal with
that later." http://seekingalpha.com/article/134195-ibm-reflating-the-corporate-bubble-ge-style
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/15/09:
Anyone who still works for IBM seriously needs their head examined. What a
garbage company; I was fired (I like using that term instead of resource action)
and have found 10-15 jobs within a month, for better pay, better benefits
and I don't have to listen to IBM management (the best part). What's best
is, I am on the other side now, I am the customer for IBM; prepare for some
hellish times when I get payback. I'll be calling IBM for support everyday,
plus I eventually plan to weed them out of the entire picture so more of you
IBMers lose out. Have fun!! -Anonymous-
Comment
05/15/09:
No one said age is the only variable in the layoff 'formula.' But it is significant
to the whole strategy as many have pointed out. To my knowledge you must file
a discrimination charge with EEOC and await their ruling. If the company is
found guilty, the GOVERNMENT imposes sanctions and, you, as the person disriminated
against can then file an individual lawsuit for damages. I don't believe you
can just file a 'class action suit' before going through that process. I have
posted this before but no one seems very interested. Read what you signed
-- you did NOT release you right to file a charge with US Equal Employment
Opportunity. You DID waive 'relief' - meaning if you sue (after EEOC ruling)
you cannot get damages and might have to pay the company's legal expense.
HOWEVER, the key phrase is "to the extent permitted by law." Liability
waivers do not necessarily hold up in court. People think they do - like signs
I know you've seen - 'not responsible for ...whatever.' People cannot waive
total liability for their actions - there are legal limits. But unless someone
from each 'work group' files a charge so tht EEOC sees a systemic pattern,
it's not worth the effort. And I guess we'll never know whether there was
age discrimination or not. If you are over 40, go to eeoc.gov, find the phone
number and call them for information. I was in S&D and am willing to file
a charge - but it's pointless unless people from all the groups affected do
the same. The eeoc investigates at the your 'work group' level - which we've
learned is very fragmented for exactly this reason (as well as WARN, etc).
-annonymous-
Comment
05/15/09:
To annonymous & risk profile info: Thanks. Validates what many have been
thinking. I'll bet they don't post that one on w3 :) -annonymous-
Comment
05/15/09:
Many of us are witnessing corporate behavior by IBM that seems to be getting
worse instead of better. Others will deny IBM\'s is doing anything wrong and
will argue this is the way companies behave in the 21st Century. I read an
investment research report on IBM by Audit Integrity, a firm that evaluates
the audit and legal risk profile of about 8,000 companies. The report supports
the argument that IBM\'s business practices are questionable and irresponsible.
IBM’s risk level was classified as Very Aggressive and IBM’s risk
exposure was in the worst 3 percent of the 8,000 companies. As you can see,
IBM’s recent behavior is among the worst. The full report on IBM is
available for free on Fidelity’s website; however, you can view IBM’s
risk rating and a summary report on Audit Integrity’s website using
the below link. http://www.auditintegrity.net/public/summary.ai?ticker=ibm
-anonymous-
Comment
05/15/09:
Just my two cents, but while I agree IBM targeted the more senior staff in
the latest RA’s, I don’t entirely agree it’s simply a move
to rid themselves of older workers based on age alone, but is a combination
of reasons.
1. Senior workers, regardless of age, generally earn higher salaries and result
in greater savings.
2. To have made it to “the senior class”, you are a dedicated
employee who, even in the boom times, stays true and loyal. – Not likely
to bend to attrition, no matter the penalty imposed.
3. Younger workers are different (not a criticism, an observation) –
they are not as tolerant or loyal to a given company and when pushed, will
leave – thus, no RA, simple attrition.
4. Younger workers have different benefits (i.e. retirement) and are not subject
to any grandfathered clauses. They also can change the overall benefits cost
if they shift the demographics of the employee base even a few years on average.
5. When I joined, most of my contemporaries were coming over a band 8 or 9.
Look at the current IBM postings – most describe band 6 or even lower.
I think IBM top loaded to gain market share and now doesn’t need them.
I have watched them bring on a steady stream of “college hires”
in the last few years, and most last 2 or 3 years and leave when they realize
they won’t be getting double digit increase and promotions every year.
They seem focused on climbing and IBM isn’t where it happens. Again,
no criticism of them, I was there once myself.
As to skill sets, in the job market I’m looking at, they commonly ask
for 7 to 10 years in a given technology or even more, and assume you started
you career at 25, the absolute minimum jumps you into you 30’s and probably
more if you count in an MBA or several criteria like 5 years as a manager
or team lead, etc. Hard to be 30 and have 15 years of professional experience
with BSCS and MBA – no offense to those 30’ish folks meant.
Also, interesting to note in the various reporting on “lay-offs”
that the 3/27 RA is mentioned on several tracking sites, but no others. I
personally know of an entire group in S&D that was notified 1/26, and
have heard of others. Those “selected to participate” in that
one need to let any media outlet know so they are not forgotten.
-RA_04/2009-
Comment
05/15/09:
>>First - giving a highly experienced person over 1 years pay to
leave is a stupid business decision
FIFTEEN YEARS AND YOU GET OVER ONE YEAR'S PAY TO LEAVE? Seriously? I
don't believe you, -bob- -anonymouse-
Comment
05/15/09:
>>Why isn't the Take Time being extended to IBMers outside the USA?
-anonymous-
Because they will be the ones hired to do the work of those naive enough
to take time off, who come back to find themselves fired. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/15/09:
ok - here is my chance to say my peace. I was just given notice last friday
- stg canada - markham. I was there 15 years. Here is my take on it. First
- giving a highly experienced person over 1 years pay to leave is a stupid
business decision - by then the recession will be over!. Second, it really
does suck here. I am glad to go. They convince you IBM is the best. Really,
IBM is getting its ass kicked by competition. Independents and BPs are killing
them as far as services go, MS is killing them on the sw side, and power is
far far away from competiting in terms of price. Finally system i is toast.
So what do they have left? not much. If you are still there - make escape
plans. Poorly run in terms of products, pricing, marketing and staffing. Tons
of lieing to upper management - false oppties in siebel, crap everywhere and
everyone convincing everyone that IBM rules all. Seriously, IBM does not and
it is in big trouble. Bigger then people think - even investors. Customers
are migrating to the ms stack in droves and using non ibm services to do it.
-bob-
Comment
05/15/09:
Why isn't the Take Time being extended to IBMers outside the USA?
-anonymous-
Comment
05/15/09:
I've been catching up on various articles about the IBM layoffs. They refer
to the number of layoffs in "North America" as compared to new hiring
in places like China and India. But I think that in IBM, "North America"
actually includes both North and South America (e.g. Brazil). So the true
number of employees being laid off in North America is probably greater than
we think, because they have been hiring in Brazil. Can someone comment on
this? -Cynic-
Alliance reply: North America job cuts are in the US and Canada. South America
is seperate.
Comment
05/15/09:
enough with age discrimination, it's all crap. It doesn't even matter - look
at the whole picture. -_clam_it_-
Comment
05/14/09:
I see people trying to justify IBM's actions by spouting the company bullshit
that the "Older" employees no longer had the right skills. Remember
that when you condone this behavior by IBM and do nothing to stop it when
your turn comes as it surely will then do not complain. Just tell yourself
that your skills must have become outdated overnight.. Head meekly and quietly
to the unemployment office and when that runs out to the welfare office and
take comfort in the fact that what goes around comes around. Or be smart and
stand with the older workers who probably trained you or at the very least
tolerated your screwups while you learned the ropes and form a union. Ongoing
training to maintain job skills can be negotiated in a contract. That way
you can't be too valuable right now to go to school then next year outdated.
Please do yourselves a favor and stand up for one another. You will be happier
and better off if you do. -Exodus2007-
Comment
05/14/09: --
This cannot bode well for actions yet to come.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/IBM-backs-fullyear-profit-apf-15237709.html/print;_ylt=AgRsojPytDRhn2HUA1KrJpzyKIkA
-SickOfItAll-
Comment
05/14/09:
Has anyone thought about filing a class action lawsuit against IBM for age
discrimination? Clearly, the numbers, which IBM freely provides, support the
claim. The off-shoring of jobs provides a particularly despicable and compelling
aspect to it, in light of IBM's strong financial results, and the Fear Factor
would be a non-issue, as those of us RA'd are no longer employed by IBM. If
someone had the gumption to file a lawsuit over the pension changes back then,
this would seem to me to be an even stronger case. The Right to Sue that the
RA'd gave up willingly would seem to me to be invalid, as we agreed to it
under duress -- namely with the Damoclean sword of losing our severance payment
suspended over our heads. Would Alliance conceive of taking a leadership role
in this, hypothetically speaking? -RA'd in 2004-
Comment
05/13/09:
To running_out_of_time: Not true. The Rational brand has been RA'ing in a
manner that looks purely like getting to lower headcount numbers, with little
regard to what their skills are. In some cases, the only reason I can see
for whacking person X was that they were not at that very moment assigned
to a release-defining project. Their skills were top-notch, and in some cases
they held irreplaceable domain knowledge about products we still claim to
support. But, wrong place at the wrong time. It's very short-sighted. -irRational-
Comment
05/13/09:
which under current tax >>laws give IBM more flexibility in how
they are reported than do domestic U.S. earnings. -CM-
Which is why the shareholders will be fine with IBM firing as many people
as they like and hiring as many people overseas as they like. As predicted,
in a year this will all be yesterday's news. Remember, Gerstner encouraged
the use of the internet to vent during the takeaways of 1999, this is just
1999 redux, but better. Don't forget: 'at will employee'. -anonymous-
Comment
05/13/09:
Is anyone filing a charge for age discrimination with the EEOC? I haven't
read of anyone doing so. Are we still AFRAID, even after being FIRED?
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/13/09:
@running_out_of_time: I couldn't disagree with you more. (1) it's not just
"older" IBMers that are being RAd. I know several in their late
30's with 15+ years at IBM that were RAd. (2) it's not people lacking skills.
I know 12 people who've been RAd (people from all parts of IBM: STG, SWG,
S&D, GBS) and 11 of them were some of the best i've ever met. the 12th
should have been fired years ago, but that 12th seems to be, by far the exception
in terms of who is being RA'd. IMO>> these RA's are about making room
for positions in the BRIC countries & more importantly making room for
more offshore earnings, which under current tax laws give IBM more flexibility
in how they are reported than do domestic U.S. earnings. -CM-
Comment
05/13/09:
running_out_of_time...I have to differ with you that the Old Timers
don't have the skill sets and therefore are being RA'd. Not the case with
my husband who was RA'd after nearly 32 years. We have yet to receive our
Cobra package regarding the Obama
thing...can someone please remind me of the number to call and complain/turn
them in? TIA~ -justme-
Comment
05/13/09:
to -Porkchop- Re: IBM is getting rid of the senior and more experienced
employees... I agree IBM is getting rid of senior employees, as in those
with a lot of year at IBM. However, and purely my own observation from those
let go around me. I haven't seem IBM let go of anybody that excelled in their
skill set. So I have to agree they're letting go senior and more experienced
mostly in the view of years put in with IBM. And it makes sense, as 'old timers'
have anywhere from 4 to 5 weeks of vacation, and usually higher salary (as
having been available to take advantage of the good ol days of 5-10% pay increases).
-running_out_of_time-
Comment
05/13/09:
To Warn Reports: And how do you think the East Fishkill folks sleep at night?
A bit confusing though, I heard STG folks in manufacturing would be affected,
but the WARN report is vague. That could mean support services only, or a
mix between mfg and support. This report is limited to East Fishkill, correct?
-Hang On-
Comment
05/13/09:
Alliance: My job was offshored like many other IBMers. In order to get TAA
benefit, can Alliance file petition for workers like us in order for us to
get TAA benefit? It's easier if a group to file TAA petition rather than by
each individual. TAA info: http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/petitions.cfm
-Ruby-Associated Member-
Alliance reply: Yes, for Alliance@IBM members only. Send us your name and
phone number to ibmunionalliance@gmail.com
Comment
05/13/09:
Oh Really? "We haven’t slashed pay of our people (that’s
an HP dig). We haven’t because we don’t have to. It’s the
nature of the annuity-like part of our business.” http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=17923
-annonymous-
Comment
05/13/09:
To answer this question...Question: Does IBM have a classical
job cut function like Mills alleges that Oracle has? -Anonymous- Yes
it does. IBM's uses the Al Capone formula first used in the St. Valentines
day Massacre. Putting the employees against a wall and machine gunning them
has a far reaching and paralyzing effect on other employees who may think
about resisting your oppression. They tried to patent it but Al beat them
to it, Not that his patent meant he had anyting to do wit dat unfortunate
incident your honor. -Exodus2007-
Comment
05/13/09:
http://www.cio.com/article/492563/Too_Much_Experience_Could_Be_Hurting_Your_IT_Job_Search
-- this is obviously the case in some areas, as IBM is getting
rid of the senior and more experienced employees while posting job openings
for low-pay staff in these new centers. -Porkchop-
Comment
05/13/09:
CT Dept. of Labor WARN site: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/bussrvce/warnreports/2009%20Warn%20Reports/warnreports2009.htm
-sby_willie-
Comment
05/13/09:
RE: Alliance reply: "Employees would not have to
depend on WARN or most other weak US labor laws, if they were union and had
a contract to spell out all those kinds of situations over the life of the
contract." -- There are many companies on that warn report that
have unions. People in unions still get layed off. They may walk away with
a little more money but it doesn't stop the layoffs. To have any quality of
life you can't work for a company like IBM. Who wants to constantly worry
about their job? I'm all for a union so we can have better working conditions
and benefits, but working for a company like IBM is no way to live your life.
When I got the axe I
found a company that treats me well, weekends and holidays are now my own,
when I go home at night there is no pager in my pocket. That is what I call
work/life balance and quality of life. -warn_reports-
Alliance reply: Our reply did not say that unions
prevented layoffs. However, the layoff process is spelled out in the contracts
of many unions; especially CWA contracts. They stipulate exactly what the
terms are and how those being laid-off by the company, will be selected; as
well as severances, etc. Laid-off employees are usually called back to work
when things improve for the company. Those employees have first shot at their
former job...NOT a new hire by the company.
Comment
05/12/09:
Warn Act Notice in NC as of 03/26/2009 taking effect on 05/26/2009 of 534
people. The blood continues to flow on a monthly basis. http://intranet.nccommerce.com/warn/
-Waiting for the Axe-
Comment
05/12/09:
For those in CA that get picked off in smaller numbers (so IBM can avoid WARN)
do you think that the RA will happen on 5/26 (like CA WARN) or 6/24 so we
all get booted out the door at the same time? Also, is IBM caving in and following
the rules with regard to subsidized Cobra or are they still forcing everyone
to pay the full amount and fight for reimbursement later on? Thanks,
-Almost done-
Comment
05/12/09:
Not sure wthis was mentioned already: IBM Named Innovation Leader for Outsourcing
-
http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/PRNEWS.20090507.NY13295/GIStory/
Those patents are paying off. -already rah-ed-
Comment
05/12/09:
to -Anonymous UK- a pay freeze? big deal - hundreds of US employees
have been on an unnounced pay freeze for years - those who haven't received
a raise. At least they're officially stating it now, at least for the UK.
All in all, a pay freeze beats a pay cut, and both beat being RAed. Perhaps
all the bad press IS catching up with IBM .
-running_out_of_time-
Comment
05/12/09:
Rumour has it - but based on leaks from briefings to managers - that IBM UK
will shortly announce a pay freeze for all staff - no exceptions - in the
UK for this year. -Anonymous UK-
Comment
05/12/09:
I wish we had the "WARN" system you have in the US here in Canada.
Has anyone heard about GBS here? -In the Dark-Alliance reply:
WARN is better than nothing; however, not much better in IBM's case. IBM has
learned how to 'get around' WARN by firing just under the number that's required
to notify through WARN. IBM fires in the low 20's or even 3-10 employees in
a function that is spread around 2 or 3 states, and they don't necessarily,
have to notify through WARN. It's typical of companies like IBM to find every
way they can to skirt government regs and laws for their own sake. Employees
would not have to depend on WARN or most other weak US labor laws, if they
were union and had a contract to spell out all those kinds of situations over
the life of the contract.
Comment
05/12/09:
Confirmed today in Canada - all contractors to take 20% time off for the next
4 weeks. This is in addition to the 10% rate cuts a few months ago.
-DM-
Comment
05/12/09:
Per California WARN Notice LAYOFF DATE OF: 5/26/09 IBM - COSTA MESA 62 {600
Anton Blvd} ; IBM - SAN FRANCISCO 52 {425 Market St}; IBM - SAN JOSE 110 {4400
N. 1st St}; IBM - SAN JOSE 7 {650 Harry Rd}; IBM - SAN JOSE 11 {5600 Cottle}
-BlueBlows-
Comment
05/12/09:
Layoff date 6/24/2009 Just search the warn report for your state for more
info if you are still hanging in there and wondering about the next layoff.
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/app/warn/details.asp?id=2149
-warn_reports-
Comment
05/12/09:
Checkout the following link that outlines layoffs across the country by company
name and numbers. IBM is also listed in there with the date layoffs took place.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/17/layoff-tracker-unemployement-lead-cx_kk_1118tracker.html
-LeftAtMyOwnWill-
Comment
05/12/09:
Interview with Mills: Mills: The problem with Sun is that for the past decade
it's had no road map for Sparc, and sales have suffered as a result. Oracle's
not a hardware company, so it doesn't have the wherewithal to deliver a road
map for either design or fabrication. So Sun is exactly where it started.
It doesn't gain anything as a hardware company by being acquired by a non-hardware
company. And if you look at Sun's revenue, it's a hardware-based business.
So Oracle now has something that is not in any way compatible with what they
do everyday. And they promised the street $1.5 billion in profit to boot.
So what you're going to do is jack up all the prices in classical Oracle fashion
and cut a lot of people in classical Oracle fashion. And all of that's going
to lead to more customer disruption and likely create a lot of opportunity.
For every action there's a reaction. http://www.infoworld.com/d/architecture/what-ibm-thinks-about-oracle-buying-sun-937
Question: Does
IBM have a classical job cut function like Mills alleges that Oracle has?
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/12/09:
Is anyone monitoring the WARN notices across the US. According to this site,
there have already been over 300 positions under threat in California alone
in Q2. http://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/warn/eddwarncnal09.pdf -Anonymous
UK-
Comment
05/12/09:
If anyone is interested, here's the WARN ACT list for California: http://www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/warn/eddwarncnal09.pdf
-UnderGround RailRoad-
Comment
05/12/09:
Have a question about WARN notices. I'm seeing in a notice summary database
that about 250 folks total that will be cut in California on 5/26. When a
warn notice is posted, does that mean the effected folks have already been
notified that their last day is 5/26, or does that mean a new round of notifications
will go out on 5/26? -Confused about WARN-
Comment
05/12/09:
>>Shame on you WSJ<<
Rupert Murdoch owns the WSJ. Are you surprised? Murdoch
is a corporate whore and will spin the story any which way IBM wants him to.
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/12/09:
to -Chicago- I didn't get that email yet. But glad to see it's possibly
making its rounds internally. Maybe all you that posted about how to get RAdd
should just start using the PDLs (Public Distribution Lists) and send these
emails out to everybody. -running_out_of_time-
Comment
05/12/09:
A great idea! Then India will off-shore work to us. Revenge is sweet. -Drgunzet-
Comment 05/08/09: To anonymous, Oh GEEZ, why don't Alliance close
this site, because anonymous is completely right. We have no right to form
a Union, we have no right to complain, Let's just tell IBM we will work for
minimum wage as long as we can keep our jobs and benefits. Alliance, please
shut the lights off and go home, I think with that blissful message, we can
all go home now. -WHAT-EVER-
Comment
05/12/09:
>> Some of us got the following sent to our IBM email addresses.
EXCELLENT, Alliance! Keep that up, you MAY actually wake them up withan
email campaign. I can just hear the managers now preparing the spin to counter
the truth. His lackeys probably had to interrupt Sam in his counting room
to let him know what was going on.
"And fear is the rule of the day in IBM. It doesn't have to be this
way." Perfect. Are you also sending these emails to those overseas
who have been trained IN the jobs taken away from Americans, and trained BY
the Americans whose jobs they were taking? They need to read the truth as
well. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/12/09:
Any way to find out how many ex-IBMers are now collecting unemployment? Maybe
if we have these numbers our Congressional reps. and Pres. Obama can present
this to Sam's bloated face and say no stimulus money or tax breaks unless
you bring these people back and off the unemployment roles since it is hurting
the economic recovery and IBM is still an American company despite your views.
I still find it UTTERLY ABSURD that Palmisano says he knows 900,000 jobs in
the USA could be created if the government invests $30 billion in IT. Oh,
BTW, these jobs would only pay about $30,000 or so even if they were created.
If Sam is now an economist as well as a greedy CEO we are in a whole lot of
trouble. -ITresource-
Comment
05/12/09:
CA WARN notice shows 62 employees being laid off in Orange County, and more
than 100 employees in northern california -IBMer-
Comment
05/11/09:
This is very poor investigative journalism. Obviously the reporter did not
research the number of jobs added overseas (parallels the US cuts); disregarded
or is unaware that current employees are forced to train their foreign replacements
(thereby negating the statement that people without the right skills are the
ones who are laid off.) And the figure of adding 4000 new jobs for the GBS
analytics practice is false. He obviously didn't check job openings online.
And in earlier articles, IBM itself stated that they were moving current GBS
employees into this new group - these are not all new jobs. There is some
truth to the article, but the reporter should not have used IBM as an example
unless it focused on offshoring. Shame on you WSJ. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124198904713604533.html
-annonymous-
Comment
05/11/09:
IBM will lose smaller accounts as the GDF moves are completed, but many large
ones will sign on with aplomb. All that the larger clients care about is the
bottom line. CFO and CIOs worry about the money that they have to report,
and a savings will always make them look good. The larger the customer, the
less chance there will be that they hear complaints about how poor the service
is or how long it takes to get something done right. It will take them much
longer to determine that what they are paying for is not being delivered out
of this new framework. Notice how IBM is spinning this? There are plenty of
reports lately on how IBM is hiring in Iowa despite the rough economy. There
will be plenty of unskilled and unemployed workers lining up to take a Band
3 job at the GDF. Their performance will be horrid, and the reputation of
IT service professionals will suffer overall as a result, but IBM will find
their lackeys. -Porkchop-
Comment
05/11/09:
I would like to remind everyone to write to their congressmen, now and repeatedly,
support the Obama administration's proposal to end offshore tax loopholes.
have sent to all my representatives. If you're not sure what to write, here's
an example:
Dear Representative x,
Please work to close the corporate tax loophole that allows offshore earnings
to stay offshore indefinitely.
The current tax loophole is encouraging investment in overseas facilities
and costing more American jobs than it could ever provide
in return. The jobs being lost are good jobs; high-tech jobs; just the type
of job we want in America. The CEO's of large corporations may support the
loophole, but they are few in number compared to the voting workers who want
jobs to stay in the United States. Step up and support the American worker,
not the CEO's who care more about personal profits than about America's future.
Sincerely,
-CM-
Comment
05/11/09:
As an ex ibmer, to all those people who are still at ibm and wanted to volunteer
to be RA-ed, you know your manager would want you to just quit if you were
fed up so here's a plan. If the Take Time program comes to your division then
take it and get a different job at a different company. All's fair in love
and war. At the end of the summer you can see if you get RA-ed and if not,
keep the job you like best. Under this scenario you get full pay from the
new company and 1/3 pay from ibm and severence from ibm with maybe another
full months pay before your final ibm day if you do get RA-ed. I say there
is no need to tell ibm anything. -BugBert-
Comment
05/11/09:
Response to the letter sent to Senator Robert Menendez from NJ:
Thank you for
contacting me to express your concern with recent layoffs and outsourcing
by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).
Your opinion is very important to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to
respond to you on this vital issue. As you know, there have been reports indicating
that IBM has begun the process of laying off thousands of American employees
and is replacing these workers with cheaper labor in foreign markets. This
is done in spite of relatively strong earnings recently for the corporation
in this difficult economic climate.
As your United States Senator, I am committed to protecting the livelihood
of American workers. The federal government has taken swift action in the
past months to stave off economic disaster through the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but a return
to long-term growth and prosperity requires cooperation from the corporate
sector. In these difficult economic times, American families are being asked
to tighten their belts, and corporations must follow suit. But, by preserving
jobs in this country, American corporations will contribute, not hinder recovery.
I am committed to taking whatever steps necessary to make sure those good-paying,
skilled jobs are available for Americans. Please rest assured that I will
continue to fight for American workers and their families. Again, thank you
for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if
I may be of further assistance. I invite you to visit my website (http://menendez.senate.gov)
to learn of other important issues to New Jersey. -New Jersey
Fodder-
Alliance reply: Notice the nebulous commitment. Most of these reps may even
be truly sincere...but, you can't rely on this one or any of them to organize
the company for you. If IBMers want a contract and want to slow down the offshoring
and stop the tax breaks, and stop the firing and abuse; they need to organize
and fight for their jobs. Simple.
Comment
05/11/09:
Question - can people that were laid off join the Alliance or is it too late?
Also, I worked in Tucson in STG since 1995 and didn't know there was a union
trying to organize. I thought after the Cooper /pension lawsuit the union
talk all went away. Sorry. -laid-off @ 50-
Alliance reply: Yes, ex-IBM employees can join. We are more than an organization
for current employees.
We are advocates for workers in the tech field.
Join
The Alliance! (check or money order form & donations)
OR
Join The Alliance! (credit
card sign-up form)
Comment
05/11/09:
Some of us got the following sent to our IBM email addresses. Thank you!
Dear co-worker,
IBM executives
are selling us out. Since January almost 10,000 of our co-workers have been
terminated from our company. Our Jobs are being offshored at a record rate.
Senior employees close to retirement are targeted for resource actions.
Reimbursement for internet access for work at home employees eliminated.
Employees forced to move to GDF's out of state with no relocation pay.
And fear is the rule of the day in IBM. It doesn't have to be this way.
The Alliance@IBM is the only employee support group leading the way out
of this valley of despair that corporate management is forcing employees
into. Our organization and web site www.allianceibm.org is the only place
IBM employees can go for news, information, resources and support. Isn't
it time you joined with your co-workers to build a better future for employees
and yourself? Join those making a stand today! www.allianceibm.org
Statement of
Principles:
Alliance@IBM/CWA Local 1701 is an IBM employee organization that is dedicated
to preserving and improving our rights and benefits at IBM.
We also strive towards restoring management's respect for the individual
and the value we bring to the company as employees. Our mission is to make
our voice heard with IBM management, shareholders, government and the media.
While our ultimate goal is collective bargaining rights with IBM, we will
build our union now and challenge IBM on the many issues facing employees
from off-shoring and job security to working conditions and company policy.
The Alliance@IBM team -Chicago-
Comment
05/11/09:
I just read an article titled: "Obama White House to toughen antitrust
rules. Large high-tech companies likely to receive more scrutiny." I
am glad that our government is enforcing laws regulating corporate behavior.
It's a start. See link.
-LearningFast-
Comment
05/11/09:
A question about organizing: Is one way to organize to get a majority of an
entire location to join? I've never been 100% clear on the distinctions and
what constitutes a bargaining unit. If the majority of non-management at a
single site would be eligible, maybe it would help to have a target number
per site? For instance, how many total non-management employees are with hypothetical
IBM Site A? I'm guessing this includes contractors. Does it matter where they
work - ie: tape pool, cleaning crew, security, networking, operations, work
at home, etc? WAH types are each connected to a particular site whether they
ever go there or not. Is there any way to get a total number of union-eligible
employees at any one site and take it from there? Having a hard number as
a goal might help as I have a suspicion it would actually be a lower number
than many of us assume -Numerologist-
Comment
05/11/09:
>>From May 10 - June 13, all contractors must reduce hours worked
by 20%
So, Take Away Your Pay Time is scheduled for May 15 through August 31, and
contractors are being furloughed from May 10 to June 13. Coincidence?
-anonymouse-
Comment
05/10/09:
To MIT Student: IBM is not the only company to spawn bitter employees. I've
talked laid off employees from countless other companies who are even angrier.
If I have learned anything from IBM, it is to keep your skills current and
always keep looking for the next job, no matter how good your job seems. Company
loyalty is dead these days. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/10/09:
Obama on YouTube - watch a bit after 1:39 ... talks about companies shiping
jobs overseas - Should Alliance Union Reps Point out to Obama IBM? and why
such company is still getting breaks from US Taxes that US employees pay into?
YouTube
Link -Joe-
Alliance reply: Last month we had members and supporters send a "take
action" email to congress and the President. Did you participate?
Comment
05/10/09:
Artech, who all the IBM contractos work for, or are a subcontractor of, has
announced a mandatory work furlough. From May 10 - June 13, all contractors
must reduce hours worked by 20%. Depending upon the organization, this may
mean 5 unpaid days off in this period. This applies to the GDF staff, not
sure about other organizations. Now we see the true reason for the new bias
towards contractors. Just furlough them and save money immediately. The few
employees left are forced to work unpaid overtime. Nearly all the 10,000 IBM
staff terminated in the past 6 months were employees - not contractors. It
appears to me that the GDF is not as successful as the big wigs planned. Several
big accounts have pulled out of the GDF and/or never went in. IBM is in jeopardy
of losing other big accounts too. The idea of providing limited services by
low paid staff with little experience is not working. As a result of this
short sighted management to save money, IBM will lose more accounts. It may
take a while, but the big blue beast is heading for demise. -IBMer-
Comment
05/10/09:
What is the smallest organizational unit that can be organized? And what prevents
IBM from simply declaring (purely by the luck of the draw of course) that
a small organization that wants a union vote is completely surplus?
-Thinking-
Alliance reply: It isn't a 'size' issue, necessarily. Size and location are
only two factors. The main thrust of IBM's resistance will be denial of the
unit 's exsistence, altogether. The difficulty is that IBM has been clever
about spreading out their "organizational units" all over the globe.
Then labor laws in each place fail to account for that reality, and the 'unit'
can't necessarily be declared a bargaining unit. IBM is not as dumb as they
are evil. Our best shot is getting small groups of members to actively organize
their co-workers and get their co-workers to do the same. The hope is that
it spreads like "spilled gasoline on a driveway"....... figuratively
speaking, of course.
Comment
05/10/09:
Can the alliance provide IBM US headcount numbers by year? My investigation
indicates there were 160,000 IBM US in 2001, and that the numbers for the
last couple of years are 121,000 and 115,000. I am starting to think that
Robert Cringely's report from a couple of years ago that IBM was planning
to layoff 100,000 US was in fact, correct. -Thinking-
Alliance reply: Your numbers of 121,000 and 115,000 are correct. Subtract
the 10,000 from first quarter job cuts and we are down to 105,000. But also
remember the number of employees forced out and retired over the years AND
the fact that IBM has also been hiring new people from aquisitions. The number
of job cuts has been very high. Only IBM knows the true number. We can only
guess/estimate; because IBM never confirms their headcount or releases numbers
of total workforce reduction, publicly. They never have. Whether Cringley
is correct or not is nearly a moot point by now. It's clear that IBM is on
a long term mission to reduce the US IBM workforce to close to a single digit
percentage; by virtue of their desire to increase the workforce in BRIC and
elsewhere. That '900,000' IT tech job idea from Sam Palmisano to Obama is
nothing but deception and an outright lie, to get $30B in Stimulus $$$. Wonder
why Cringley didn't come out with a comment on that?
Comment
05/09/09:
I think everyone here supports the goal of an employment contract and feels
frustrated. There are about 105K US employees now (115K reported on 12/31/08
less 10K laid off so far this year). I don't know how many are non-mgmt -
but guessing at least half or 50-60K ? If so, a majority vote would take over
30K people signing up. I doubt that many are even aware of the union. If you
focused on one group or site with a manageable number of employees -- that
has been hard hit or a group that already has some union members -- it would
be more realistic to get a majority. Once an employment contract is in place
for that group, I believe it will spread. I wouldn't stop encouraging all
to join, but people here know better than anyone -- where's the best place
to start to hold some lunches or happy hour to get a movement going? If people
KNOW enough other people are willing to join, there is a feeling of safety
in numbers. -my two cents-
Alliance reply: You make several good points. Question: Why do you "doubt
that many are even aware of the union"?
Why do you think that is the case? Not to be defensive; but we have made concerted
efforts on a list of ideas, to communicate our existence and ways in which
IBMers can be involved with the process. We have held meetings, demonstrations;
initiated press releases, sent thousands of emails, appeared on local and
national news programs, made thousands of phone calls, and lately have become
very active on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. One thing we cannot do, is
walk into an IBM site location and declare the place 'unionized'. That has
never happened with ANY union historically, and never will happen. We have
been trying very hard to "get a majority" of IBMers to sign-up.
Our critics and enemies continue to blast us with emails that say "You
idiots think that the way to organize a union is to post messages here and
on Yahoo message boards."... So that means apparently, that we ARE getting
the word out. We need our members to all become 'active' organizers in a small
or big way. What stops them? FEAR. Fear of being public; Fear of reprisal
from IBM, Fear that they can never go back to who they were before they decided
to step up and be counted. We understand all that fear. Many of us went through
the same thing; in some cases at a very highly concentrated dose... We whole
heartedly support the "lunches" or "happy hour" approach;
but that means the members must become 'visible' to at least a few people,
in the begining. None of us here ever said, this is easy o do. It's not easy.
But it is worth it, if you want a decent employment contract. There are literally
hundreds of thousands of union members that have just that; and it all started
with their effort to organize.
Comment
05/09/09:
It is interesting how people cope with the stress of losing a job. Some become
so engrossed with fear so that they are immobile, some make plan B, and some
just want someone to feel sorry for them. I certainly do not like to see people
demoralized, but on the flip side I just do not understand why people are
not willing to take a stand for themselves. Your master is your boss and he
is beating you down. How much more are you willing to take before you start
blocking the punches?
If people cannot think enough of themselves, then why not try showing empathy
for your fellow co-worker whom probably needs their job as much as you do.
Stand up for your rights, it is a small decision and you can do it. Why do
you want empathy from others, but you are not willing to show empathy for
those same people.
I feel empathy for those that are so scared that they do not help themselves
by standing up for their rights.
I feel empathy for those that lose their homes because they cannot make the
mortgage payment after drying up their retirement fund in a
last ditch effort to save their home. Knowing this in advance and they still
did nothing to fight for their jobs.
I feel sympathy for those over 40 years old because they do not realize how
hard it will be to find another job in these trying
economic times.
I pity those poor poor souls that will end up in the Un-Employment line applying
for benefits and these people did absolutely Nothing to
try save themselves from that demise.
Do not let fear control your life, do something now. http://www.myfavoriteezines.com/articles/fear-courage-how-to.html
-Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself FDRs First Inaugural Address-
Comment
05/09/09:
Ok let's review: Fear is the major tool of choice and preference for IBM executive
management to keep employees from joining the union and standing up for themselves;
while IBM management continues to slash jobs in the US. The only way to make
their 'tool useless' is to organize. Build the membership to the point where
you can declare a 'majority card sign' or request for a 'secret ballot vote'.
Either one will do. Consider this: When GW Bush ran for office in 2000, the
Republican machine went into organizing gear. The same happened when Obama
ran in 2008. The point is that regardless of party or politics; the organizing
was what contributively, produced a winner. As Exodus2007 has pointed out
many many times: political reps, govt agencies, and political parties are
not going to organize IBM for you. YOU must do it. Joining Alliance@IBM and
contributing $$ toward the organizing campaign is only the first step. Once
you do that, the organizing must kick in. YOU must spread the word, through
any means necessary and available, that IBMers need a contract and they need
one NOW! No more waiting! No more conciliatory pandering to 'feelings' and
posting your fears and regrets. Start DOING something. FDR is/was not a popular
President among some people; but he was absolutely right about fear..he said
"The only thing we have to Fear... is Fear itself"... it's clear
what he meant. If you let fear grip you and numb you; you won't be able to
fight back. Think about it. I think Alliance@IBM has been overwhelmingly empathetic
and sympathetic to all those who have come here to rant, cry and search for
answers. Decide that you will not let fear have its way with you. Stand up
for each other and organize. It's the only mission left for you to do...maybe
in your whole life. Think about it. -Ubuntu2u2-
Comment
05/09/09:
homerJ you were spot on with the date of the last RA in Rochester. Looks like
the last Thursday of the month, following the end of the quarter. So, July
30th. Hang on! -stg'er-
Comment
05/09/09:
Suffice to say IBM Management is planning something. We do not know and can
not ever be sure what it is and when it will be implemented. We can waste
our time, our energy , our sanity worrying about when they will attack their
U.S. workforce again and why and how, or we can redouble our efforts to organize
ourselves which requires no cooperation from IBM or its stockholders or HR
or anyone in management. It does not matter what they plan if we get organized
and demand contracts . At least for the terms of the contract WE can plan
and relax and know we will have a job or know the terms of our layoffs as
defined by our contract. There is NOTHING anyone can do to stave off an RA.
Read the comments. Top performers get terminated all the time if the business
unit is shutting down in the United States . I for one would rather not die
like the steers in the slaughterhouse; but like the bull in the arena charging
the matador! ALL IBMers need to understand that as progress is made in a union
business unit, IBM will have to make concessions or face more units organizing.
It will have an uplifting affect on everyones quality of life. Well, Maybe
not Sams or the head of HR, but non-executives will certainly enjoy the benefits
of a contract . I certainly understand being apprehensive because a major
change will occur in your lives, when you are union workers. You will know
whats coming next for the length of your contract and you will have a say
and a vote in what the next contract will be. Whats wrong with that?
-Exodus2007-
Comment
05/09/09:
To MIT student: Smart decision. Looks like MIT is doing its job teaching you
to think on your feet. To everyone -- just a reminder of the power of 'six
degrees of separation.' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation
-small world-
Comment
05/09/09:
>>In light of the current economic conditions,
-ex employee-, isn't that interesting? That's just how they started out
the letter that informed the Black Thursday 5000 that they were being fired
and that many of their jobs were being outsourced overseas and that they had
30 days to train their replacements or otherwise they wouldn't get the severance,
IF there was one. Isn't it lucky that the economy went south thanks to the
administration so that IBM could use the words
>>In light of the current economic conditions, and that IBM
legal had them all at the ready? -anonymouse-
Comment
05/09/09:
How is the alliance membership drive going? Are people starting to join more?
-want to know-
Alliance reply: Unfortunately no. We got 10 new members for May
so far. At this rate we certainly will not reach our goal of 200.
What to say? We know there is fear in the halls of IBM; but we have always
said you can't let that paralyze you.
We do not give out the names of members so that should not be an issue.
We have said repeatedly that the Alliance can not survive if employees don't
contribute.
We lose members due to job cuts and we need to have new members in order to
continue our work.
We can not expand our work without members.
Many come here for the information and help and do so for free. That can not
continue and we have said in the past that our services and information, if
membership does not grow, will only be for members only. We don't want to
go to that extreme.
$10 a month for full membership (including Union Plus benefits), $5 a month
for associate membership.
Think about what happens if the Alliance is not here.
Comment
05/09/09:
I just don't understand who people are trying to impress by working extended
hours over the required time that IBM mandates each employee work. I can assure
I am not one of those suckers. I have worked on occasion in the past, but
it came tied to comp time off or I put in Totals for extra pay. You are your
own problem when it comes to overtime, all you have to do is just say no.
The management is responsible for the work load, not the employee. Do the
math and go home after 40 hours. There is no such thing as job security without
the Union. Do NOT kid yourself by thinking you are actually impressing somebody
by working overtime. You are nothing but a sucker if you do. -Why-Work-Overtime-
Comment
05/09/09:
Amen, -ex_ibm_lackey- for your Comment 05/09/09. Amen,
-WHAT-EVER- for your Comment 05/08/09.
How sad
for those who don't see this. >>By year end 2010, 10% of IBM will
be located in the US.
Wow. This
bears repeating to those who STILL think 'whew, I missed another cut, it
can't happen to me': By year end 2010, 10% of IBM will be located in the
US.
>>Why
are IBM US employees so cordial to the H-1Bs that are here to take your
job? Fear and threats and intimidation.
>>Why
do you even train them? Because of the threats over NOT getting a severance
package.
>>A
small severance package? It beats leaving with nothing.
>>Organize
or remain as you are Amen.
>>
have a bit of a problem understanding and empathizing with people who don't
seem to want to help themselves.
-ex_ibm_lackey-,
when did you leave IBM? If recently, and you smelled the fear in the hallways,
you would understand. It is beyond belief, but the employees are paralyzed
with fear. They don't deserve loathing from their fellow employees and retirees
that they already get from management and the trolls here and on the Yahoo
boards. They deserve empathy. -anonymous-
Alliance Reply: They also deserve a contract; if they will organize and
fight for one.
Comment
05/09/09:
I recently left IBM but just got this in my email from my former contractor
employer:
In light of the current economic conditions, IBM recently notified
CDI that from May 10th through June 13th all CDI ITD resources are required
to reduce normal work schedules by 20%. This action is not a reflection of
any dissatisfaction over the services provided by you or CDI but rather a
business decision. Your IBM Manager will work directly with your CDI Account
Executive to coordinate a reduced work schedule that minimizes any impact
to IBM or its clients. You should receive the communication regarding your
reduction schedule from your CDI Account Executive. When you begin working
the reduction schedule and notifying CDI of these reduced work hours please
enter 0 hours into the CDI Web Based Time reporting tool and note the word
“furlough” in the comment section. This decision and action is
not to be discussed with any IBM clients. It is expected that normal work
schedules will resume after this request is completed. -ex employee-
Comment
05/09/09:
Take Time program......... Why so many questions about IBM's motivation ?
IBM knows that employees will take the time off at 1/3 pay. Except IBMers
will not take that time off, they will continue to work from home or come
into the office to train their indian replacements. IBMers are so afraid now
to take even a long weekend. IBM has you by the short hairs so you will work
continuously for .33333 of your salary. You don\'t want it to look like IBM
can manage without you for a few days now, do ya ?
Just a warning, this may become your full salary. IBM is just testing the
waters. I covered a meeting for my manager. Here is the plan. By year end
2010 10% of IBM will be located in the US. The remaining employees will be
located in india, singapore, hong kong, vietnam, communist china, brazil,
argentina, russia & eastern europe etc.... The few with balls in EU will
remain for a while. I have a question. Why are IBM US employees so cordial
to the H-1Bs that are here to take your job ? Why do you even train them ?
A small severance package ? What do you think your expected survival rate
would be in their country ? They know you are losing your livelihood to them.
You have two options. Organize or remain as you are. I don't work for IBM
anymore, but the people who read this site (non IBM employees - media included
) have a bit of a problem understanding and empathizing with people who don't
seem to want to help
themselves. After reading many of the posts, I'm in agreement.
-ex_ibm_lackey-
Comment
05/08/09:
Word just came through that contractors in through CDI will be required to
take 20% time off between the middle of May and the middle of June. CDI will
work with the first line IBM manager to "minimize any impact". In
already-strapped groups, this is pie-in-the-sky thinking. -CDI_drone-
Comment
05/08/09:
C'mon folks. The Time Out program is a way for IBM to retain skills without
paying for them. If they laid off the workers, they'd not only lose the skills
but they'd have to pay unemployment. Then, when the workload increased with
the economy, they'd not only have to hire, they'd have to train people....an
expensive proposition. So they're hedging their bets by making this offer.
One way to use the Time Out productively is to secure employment elsewhere.
-Think-
Comment
05/08/09:
The 40+ IBM employee population is dwindling - no news here. There will be
a generation shift beginning now. The new employees coming in, whether here
or in BRIC countries, will have little to no expections of this corporation.
They will have a job with a stated salary, that's it. They will work until
they either burn out or find a job elsewhere. IBM will get the job done, one
way or another, and as cheaply as possible. As an employer, the bar has been
lowered for IBM. Nice going. -anon-
Comment
05/08/09:
An IBM patent application for increasing productivity through shorter meetings?
You can patent common sense? Only in IBM. Besides, if it wasn't for long meetings
most managers would have nothing to do. -anon-
Comment
05/08/09:
To Anonymous, you may be right when you say "forming
a union is not going to help anybody in 2009. 2009 is a lost cause."
Plus, I have a good feeling I am going to be on the RA list for the next
round due to the lack of workload I am currently experiencing.
However, I feel fortunate enough to have been earning a wage
at IBM for the last several years, so I would opt to supporting a Union for
my fellow collegues because many of them deserve something better. Maybe it
is a worthless cause, but "Most" of the employees are good people
and I think they are worth my simple efforts. When people work together, that
is when things start to happen. And if things happen in 5 years from now,
I can proudly look back and say I was a part of that movement. The door may
hit me in the ass on the way out, but I will not opt for leaving behind a
legacy of having a brown nose. -WHAT-EVER-
Comment
05/08/09:
To Anonymous, We all believe in something and devotion to our skills will
reap benefits. Funny thing, I am still employed but have not seen the training
from IBM on how to keep your job -I-Will-take-UnEmployment-Over-Kissing-Ass-Anyday-
Comment
05/08/09:
Excellent post, -Spartacus-. Isn't it sad that everyone can't understand it
all yet? -anonymouse-
Comment
05/08/09:
Can someone tell me what other forms have to be signed on the so-called "last
day" post the 2 month notification other than the Separation Agreement
? Other than turning in the badge and laptop and Separation Agreement what
else is expected from the RAed employee? -Seeking_Answer_For_RAed_Q-
Comment
05/08/09:
An IBM patent application for increasing productivity through shorter meetings
(i.e., meetings don't have to fill up the full half-hour or hour they're scheduled
for---you can leave early if you get everything done): Link
-Anonymous in Rochester-
Comment
05/08/09:
This is a quote from a poster on the IBM Employee Issues Forum: "Had
lunch today with the old management team. The discussion was mainly on the
"take time" program. Based on what was discussed it is targeted
to cut costs on STG and ISC for 3rd qtr. As you have read people were asked
to volunteer to take between 10 and 20 days off for vacation and get 1/3 pay.
The pay adjustment will be made in September. If there are not enough volunteers
then there will be some who will be asked to participate. The intent is to
save $'s to make 3rd qtr. look good. It is felt that both of these divisions
are running lean (and not profitable) and they want to avoid another RA. If
the plan doesn't work then there will be some RA actions. Not to difficult
to read into this one." -Anonymous-
Comment
05/08/09:
In a recent opinion in New York federal court a judge said the following in
her ruling against IBM. "That level of willful blindness in the face
of crimes in violation of the law of nations cannot defeat an otherwise clear
showing of knowledge that the assistance IBM provided would directly and substantially
support apartheid." Bad press like this cannot be good for business.
When will IBM learn their reputation is an important component of their value?
Greed and Power can only get you so far. Ultimately, bad behavior is bad business.
See link. http://mwcnews.net/content/view/29812/233/
-LearningFast-
Comment
05/08/09:
to -WHAT-EVER- Never did I say you had no rights - where did you
come up with this stuff?. It just seems that nobody wants to accept reality
and just bitch and bitch and bitch - it's resolved nothing. IBM isn't going
to change their ways. Come hell or high water, they will meet their 2009 EPS
at our expense. Like I said, forming a union is not going to help anybody
in 2009. 2009 is a lost cause. At best, if a union were to be organized at
this point, lets just say 2Q sometime, you probably wouldn't see any benefit
until 2010 sometime. And like I said before, if IBM sensed that the Alliance
was nearing the numbers it needed, RAs would accelerate . Never did I say
you have no right to unionize. I just want everybody to be aware that 2009
is pretty much genocide in terms of US employment at IBM. Nothing will save
the 2009 RAs.This is reality. The fact that the Alliance has been trying to
organize IBM for what, 10 years? I don't see this being a solution to IBM
RAs in the near future. Good luck to you all, I'm kissing as much corporate
ass to stay employed until I find another job. With or without a union, I
have no desire to work for IBM any longer. -anonymous-
Comment
05/08/09:
Anyone complaining that people come here to bitch is assuming that's all anyone
does. Not true. Everyone I know has a "Plan B" these days. If we
*also* want to vent in between picking up tidbits of info here, I say go for
it. Who would understand it better? And when I said "who the heck would
do my job" I was actually being facetious since this is really a moot
question but hey, bitch away! :) -TakeThis-
Comment
05/08/09:
To "Whatever", trust me, IBM could care less about bad press. They
try hard to hide their assaults against employees, but if it gets discovered,
C'est la vie. Palmisano made $21 million in 2008. The same year he cut the
pay on the tech specialists by 15% -- opps there goes the mortgage payments.
IBM won\'t admit that the RA program is an offshoring program, so RAed people
cannot take advantage of the Obama changes for the TAA program to support
displaced workers. And you get severance but so what, it gets deducted from
your unemployment claim, so that is a wash. IBM is pocketing the Obama COBRA
subsidy on health insurance so kiss that goodbye. The IBM Future Health Account
will only last you 4-5 years so if you are RAed in your 50's you'll go bankrupt
before you reach Medicare age. Oh, and wait until you see the costs of retiree
medical thru IBM starting about $10K/year for a single person. They discontined
traditional pensions after the courts wouldn\'t let them loot the old pension
plan. I could go on and on, but this is why IBMers no longer trust the Palmisano
crime family. -Spartacus-
Comment
05/08/09:
-WHAT-EVER-: Why work for minimum wage in IBM? Just volunteer to
work for nothing! Sam and the rest of his posse will luv you for it. But,
nevertheless, you still will get RA'ed eventually working for IBM for free
if that would make any sense. -anonymous-
Comment
05/08/09:
Does anybody know if the June layoff rumor is the notification month, or the
end of employment month? -running_out_of_time-
Alliance Reply: Probably both.
Comment
05/08/09:
After 8 years as a contractor i am glad i left . I am now in a 8 to 5 job
.not 24 hours work with rate cuts every 6 months. companies outside value
our experience ..leverage it -anonymous-
Comment
05/08/09:
To: Something To Think About: You are correct. A decrease in pay has ripple
effects. It results in decrease in employer 401K match, decreases salary history
in your Social Security; decreases amt. of severance; decreases amt. of unemployment
calculation; and probably decreases both FHA and pension employer contributions.
If a company is in clear economic distress - that's a different story and
can be handled in equitable ways. The salary reductions should begin at the
TOP (salary & bonus); reduction in dividend payouts; voluntary early retirement
buyouts offered; and people would probably be willing to take an across-the-board
salary reduction for a temporary period of time to save their jobs. A union
could negotiate on behalf of ALL employees. Is targeting one employee group
the answer? -annonymous-
Alliance reply: The union could only negotiate for the employees covered
under the collective bargaining agreement based on the collective bargaining
unit. Not all employees.
Comment
05/08/09:
To anonymous, Oh GEEZ, why don't Alliance close this site, because
anonymous is completely right. We have no right to form a Union, we have no
right to complain, Let's just tell IBM we will work for minimum wage as long
as we can keep our jobs and benefits. Alliance,
please shut the lights off and go home, I think with that blissful message,
we can all go home now. -WHAT-EVER-
Comment
05/08/09:
It is interesting to see how a company that a lot of future engineers want
to work for is doing this to its current employees. A friend of mine working
for IBM has directed me to look at this page, and it now gives me a good reason
NOT to seek to work for IBM. I'm so disappointed. I'm sure I'll tell my other
friends about this page. Very interesting and a lot of good information. Good
job IBMers. Keep posting more!!! Let the students read and read. This will
let them know what's the right choice to make when applying for a company.
-MIT Student does NOT like IBM Anymore-
Comment
05/08/09:
It has been said about Global Services for many years. "You
can Always Buy Better, but You will never pay More" -anon-
Comment
05/08/09:
Well I had the chip removed 4/27 just like 5000 of my fellow IBMers and it
didn't even hurt! I checked my Stock options tonight and the expiration date
moved to 3 months after seperation! Rat Bassturds! Oh well strike price is
120 & 132, IBM will never see that stock price again. I am meeting with
Financial Planner tomorrow to move the 401K and Pension out from under Sam's
control. Too bad I feel this way, used to love & respect IBM, thought
it would be the last org I would work for... -IBMoreGone-
Comment
05/08/09:
-RA'd_04/2009- Interesting... A question I'd like to hear Sam answer... If
the skills of those being RA'd are outdated, not needed, or non marketable,
why are many of those affected having to train their replacements? Why would
useless knowledge need to be passed on? -Gettin-Hosed-
Comment
05/07/09:
to running_out_of_time, looks like a 15% pay cut to me, regardless
of all the drama your department experienced. The idea to allow overtime was
to NOT break the business, no matter how skewed it looks, eventually the pay
cut is going to be effective. -Pay-Cut-Is-A-Pay-Cut-
Comment
05/07/09:
IBM has been flying low under the radar with "stealth" layoffs.
IBM is still laying off people in Burlington. But you don't hear it in the
press. Why? Because the numbers are small but continuous. Like the drip drip
drip chinese water tourture. Marching orders came from Sammy Palmapoopo. He
wants to keep it quiet to keep it out of the Burlington Free Press. This IBM
company makes me want to puke. :-( -BTVer-
Comment
05/07/09:
I recvd the layoff notice on March 26 and my last date is May 26th. I am told
I need to sign some forms on May 26th and hand over my laptop and badge. I
already have the Separation Agreement which I should sign after my last date.
Manager would not say what the other forms are. Can anyone give me more info
on what more forms will be given on the last Date of Employment?
-RA_In_SanJose-
Comment
05/07/09:
This new "Take Time" was developed because of the public outcry
of the layoffs this year. You cannot expect the public to not be angry over
a company that has conducted mass layoffs and be one of the few companies
that had RECORD EARNING profits during this recession. The buzz is already
out on the big June layoff and IBM cannot afford any more bad press. This
is a way of trying to achieve their payroll/headcount goals without getting
the bad press of a layoff. Someone in IBM's hierarchy is reading these posts.
I wish these bastards had thought of this before all the other layoffs that
were done this year. -Whatever-
Comment
05/07/09:
I'm convinced the new Time Out program is a way to identify people for layoffs.
Think about it. People who take 20 days off cannot possibly be rated the same
as their peers who don't take time off come PBC time. Once you get bumped
down to a 2 or a 3, you're next in line on the chopping block. Might not be
June, but might just be next year -Time Out is a trap-
Comment
05/07/09:
Project Match is a joke. A H1-B Visa (Indian) holder was RA. He applied to
Project Match. Two weeks went by and nothing. I believe he interviewed, etc.
and never heard back. HR followed up several times with the Project Match
project office. Not sure where the disconnect was - I think - from India.
So, the dude was finally let go and he was told he could still explore the
opportunity externally. I swear this company is so f'd up. You get wrong answers
from the ESC, HR screws up left and right, we run our employees in the ground
and they discard them like garbage. -yes@endicottalliance.org-
Comment
05/07/09:
I have to agree that's it's a shame that anything IBM offers is not trusted.
I know scores of people who work for various companies that have been offered
similar programs. 50% paid vacations, mandatory 1 week unpaid vacation, and
actually a co-founder of a company that's been required to take a 50% temporary
pay cut. None of them commented on their company having a hidden agenda behind
the program. Quite frankly, I just don't see IBM having the brain power to
forward think beyond saving 2/3 of somebody's pay as a cost cutting measure.
Let's face it. IBM isn't the most forward thinking company. They're concerned
with how much money they can save NOW - next quarter will be dealt with, well,
next quarter. As plausible as all the theories are behind this 1/3 paid vacation
program, I just don't think it goes beyond just IBM saving some payroll dollars
- simply because I don't think IBM can have that level of thinking. They look
it at saving money NOW, period. If they want you gone, they'll find out a
way and won't pad it with a reduced paid vacation. Now the proof of this will
be in the pudding. It'd be interesting to determine the % of any future RAs
that had taken this 1/3 offer. Maybe the Alliance should have an RA form like
they do on the Pay related forums.
RA notification date
RA effective date (employment ends)
Did you participate in the 1/3 paid time off program?
Last 2 PBC Ratings:
Age: -running_out_of_time-
Comment
05/07/09:
Anyone who's wondering "who the heck would do my job?", still doesn't
get it. Management doesn't value you or the work you do. If they're willing
to pay you 1/3 pay not to work then they must think you're at least 50% overpaid.
As far as this not working in Global Services, maybe they would just ask remaining
employees to cheat customers even more by billing more hours than actually
worked. They were doing this 12 years ago when I was in IGS, I expect it's
even worse now -anon-
Comment
05/07/09:
Anyone who's wondering "who the heck would do my job?", still doesn't
get it. Management doesn't value you or the work you do. If they're willing
to pay you 1/3 pay not to work then they must think you're at least 50% overpaid.
As far as this not working in Global Services, maybe they would just ask remaining
employees to cheat customers even more by billing more hours than actually
worked. They were doing this 12 years ago when I was in IGS, I expect it's
even worse now. -anon-
Comment
05/07/09:
Just an observation, but "Buy-Out" = Senior Employees with marketable
skills; "RA" = Low Tech, non-marketable skills ... at least from
the Palmasano spin machine . With an RA, you say to Obama "Look, we got
rid of the dead wood, low skilled, low paid scum, now we need more visas and
cash to hire skilled well pid workers". With a "buy-out" it
implies the company is having issues and needs to reduce overhead. Remember,
its a game of politics. -RA'd_04/2009-
Comment
05/07/09:
to -Possible-Motives- Re: Here is a true story for those who are
in the dark, last year IBM cut the pay on the tech supporters by 15% as repercussion
for the overtime law suit. It was not that they could not afford to pay the
law suit, but they wanted to recoup the costs of the law suit and they did
it within one year. That's wrong. They did not reduce pay by 15% solely to
recoup the costs of the law suit. They were found to be in violation of a
law. So they reclassified 8000 people from exempt to non-exempt to be in compliance
with that law. Since non-exempt are paid overtime, and to meet currently established
budget figures, it was estimated that the average OT figures based pm CLAIMS
figures, translated into pay, was 15%. Granted, this is very skewed, because
there are those who refuse to work OT - well, they screwed themselves. Then
on the other side of the fence are the ones who refuse to 'share' workload
despite management telling them to do so and despite co-working literally
begging to help, hogging all the work, and accumulating 15-25 hours of OT
in a week's period (from my example, that person has been RAd now - good riddance
to non-team players as far as I'm concerned) As it stood, and my manager shared
the presentations with me and the rest of his team, this 15% reduction in
pay, but forced to pay OT rapidly caused them to be well over their budget
numbers, causing IBM to restrict the amount of OT by individual per department.
Around here (ITD) you need to PROVE you have to work the OT, you have to PROVE
somebody else on the team can't do the work, and you have to PROVE the work
can't be done the next week.
They need to offer this Take Time Off program to 4Q and cover
IGS/IDT as well (not that many of us will be left by 4Q 2009). I know in my
area nearly all of our accounts are covered by a year end freeze so all we
have to do is break/fix work, which is usually very quiet, and the majority
of us are just twiddling our thumbs. -running_out_of_time-
Comment
05/07/09:
As Retired in 06 mentions it really is a shame that IBM is now so mistrusted
by its employees that everyone is immediately (and rightfully so) suspicious
of its intent when announcing a new program like this. I agree with most of
the points brought up in these posts, however, here's another thing to THINK
about..... in most states your unemployment benefit is based on your earnings
for the last x months. Taking a 2/3 pay cut for a months worth of vacation
might end up reducing your benefit if selected for RA -Something
to THINK about..-
Comment
05/07/09:
>>The reaction to TakeTime is really a shame. A shame? You
mean it's overdue by 10 years, don't you? >> Even IF (and I say
IF very loosely) IBM's intentions are honorable in terms of trying to save
money and people at the same time,
You can type that without your keyboard erupting into flames? I'm surprised.
>>the trust in the corporation has totally deteriorated. I
wonder why. >>Translation, you can push me around as much as you
want because I am a pussy-cat.
Well, if there are people who sign up for this, they are going to get everything
they deserve. Meanwhile, this might also be a deliberate distraction for the
benefit of those who were thinking about unionizing and are naive enough to
think instead: IF I take 1/3 of my pay, they MAY keep me. Remember: there
is something behind everything they do. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/07/09:
I'm not a huge fan of IBM's tactics, but come on people - you seem to want
to bitch about everything.
Major RAs so far this year - everybody bitches (and rightfully so, especially
after their profit announcement - that has to disgust everybody below VP level
at least) . IBM does away with reimbursement of home internet access - everybody
bitches that IBM won't pay for their family's internet access (who are you
kidding - $50/month would pay for nearly 100% of the average broadband internet
service) - I know Comcast only costs me about $40, and unless you work 24/7/365,
you were getting free internet service from IBM). IBM offers reduced pay vacations
to STG and ISC - (make up whatever you want to about what IBM has behind this,
unless you you have internal memos to support it, it's just your paranoia
speaking) and you all still bitch? Let's see, you get to stay employed, stay
insured, in lieu of losing your job, but you're going to bitch about it? Hell,
I should be the one bitching because I'm not in either of those areas and
I would love to take extra time off this summer. You simply aren't going to
get that 10% raise, you aren't going to get that promotion, you aren't going
to keep your job from being GDFed or off shored. You do not work for the IBM
that existed 10, 20, 30 years ago. What part of that do you not all understand
by now? It's not going to stop and any amount of bitching on this board isn't
going to change it. You all just need to start dealing with what IBM is dishing
out. Either accept it, or quit. This attempt at forming a union won't happen
over night, and most likely, even if they had numbers they need TODAY, you
wouldn't see anything in terms of saving your job before the end of year (actually,
there's no guarantee your job would be saved if there was a union. Speaking
with my unionized brother in law, most of the time if a company wants you
gone, you're gone. The union can help negotiate a better than average separation
package). Like I said, I'm not a fan of all the crap IBM has pulled over the
past year or so, but I'm still employed and have health insurance for
my family - I am grateful for that. While IBM still employs me, I am actively
looking for a new job. But I'm not going to complain about still having a
job. Remember the past posting - IBM owes you nothing but minimum wage, be
grateful for what you have. -anonymous-
Comment
05/07/09:
I am sure there are those that can do these numbers, so excuse my anal posting.
In the previous post about the 15% pay cut, well, an example of this would
be supported by this: If a worker makes $1000 / week (rounding for ease of
example), and on the one day a week they take 1/3 pay for the day off, well,
that would be $860 / $1000 = 14% savings. This metric could very well convince
management that there are people that will weather a pay cut with no problems
at all or pushback from the employees. Translation, you can push me around
as much as you want because I am a pussy-cat. -Beating-A-Dead-PayCheck-
Comment
05/07/09:
The take time off pilot could never carry over to an area like Global Services.
Any reduction in billing reduces the utlization and you would be penalized
on the PBC and receive a lower rating and/or reduced compensation. .They are
targeting internal and non-customer facing IBMers - and my guess is that this
program would show you are not needed and set you up for an RA.
-anonymous-
Comment
05/07/09:
Another possible motive that would make total sense; it's all about the stock
holder value; Here is a true story for those who are in the dark, last year
IBM cut the pay on the tech supporters by 15% as repercussion for the overtime
law suit. It was not that they could not afford to pay the law suit, but they
wanted to recoup the costs of the law suit and they did it within one year.
Year to year, they saved 15% across these recouped salary reductions. So,
the one third paid time off, is a good metric for determining who can afford
a pay cut, who is willing to take a pay cut, and how much can IBM cut someones
salary before the employee pushes back. Obviously, people are complacent because
they continue with the abuses that the gorrila is handing down. This whole
abuse is going to continue, as history repeats, until we Unionize and Push
back. -Possible-Motives-
Comment
05/07/09:
Check out the latest about CGI. At least some employees (former) are taking
action, (also read the comments below the article) http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/05/06/tech-090506-cgi-temporary-layoffs.html
-canada_employee-
Comment
05/07/09:
Who really knows the idea behind the one third paid time off policy? We can
speculate all the way out the door. How about this for a diabolical plot:
There are close to 100,000 employees in India and they all want your job,
so, when you take your time off, these people will be trying to fill your
shoes. We need to organize, and now not after the 10,000 lb gorilla kicks
you out the door. People that have the false impression of "who is going
to do my job?", are not looking at the big picture. Currently, they can
hire 5 or more people over seas to do one persons job here in the USA, 5 people
can replace one quite easily, even if they make mistakes. -Possible-Motives-
Comment
05/07/09:
The reason IBM can't RA more employees each month is because HR doesn't have
the resources to process them all at a time. Also, I wonder how well the RA's
in the BRICs are going? -HRslave-
Comment
05/07/09:
The reaction to TakeTime is really a shame. Even IF (and I say IF very loosely)
IBM's intentions are honorable in terms of trying to save money and people
at the same time, the trust in the corporation has totally deteriorated. Every
diabolical reason given here for IBM's initiating this program makes perfect
sense. -RetiredIn06-
Comment
05/07/09:
STG and ISG are only eligible for the "Take Time" program. Why not
all of IBM, particularly IBM CHQ Armonk? I reckon STG and ISG is hurting and
desperate to try to make their 3rd QTR numbers. Hence this new program. Another
knee jerk reaction by desperate IBM divisions or LOB's. If you think they
are offering this to stop a planned RA in June then I can easily convince
you that the sun rises in the west and sets in the east each day :)
-nofoolhere-
Comment
05/07/09:
If STG is so concerned about their bottom line, why don't they just offer
buy outs like GM and Ford instead of d*cking around with these silly programs
like stingy little b*tches? -Time Out? How About Buy Out?-
Comment
05/07/09:
Yep, my first thought on TakeTime is "who the heck would do my job?"
With my team decimated, my teammates would probably kill me for even asking.
So is the program just to get a list of folks who's teammates will pick up
their slack??? -TakeThis-
Comment
05/07/09:
>>It is a ridiculous program. Of course it
is, -Concerned@IBM-, and everyone should be as wary of it as those
who disbelieved the 'good' intentions behind Project Death March, aka Project
Match. Remember, this is the same company that, in the midst of firings and
ruining people's lives, put up a callous April Fool's joke about those 'pesky
time zone problems'. >>Start a union or get out... either way, you'll
be happier So true, -Sincerely-.-anonymouse-
Comment
05/07/09:
As bad as it sounds, I view IBM's new Take Time program as an indicator that
voices expressing outrage about job cuts are being heard. We may need to embrace
IBM's Take Time program so that we can live to fight another day. It may be
another trick from IBM's evil HR department, or it may be face saving way
to slow down the layoffs. Though this appears to be another stupid IBM program,
we can't be oppose to everything. Food for thought. -LearningFast-
Comment
05/07/09:
Ha, the "Take Time" program (scam) for 1/3 pay. I wonder how big
a bonus the HR guy got for dreaming up that one. Management will just make
you work evenings and weekends to makeup and complete the work that went undone
on your days off. And they will spread the work out to other employees. The
work gets done at 1/3 the cost to IBM. These HR scumbags are diabolically
brilliant. BTW, if you are not already working evenings and weekends, you
have a high risk factor for a future RA wave. All in good time. IBM can only
digest so many RAs at one time. Be assured, they will get to you soon enough
-Spartacus-
Comment
05/07/09:
I think the new 1/3 pay time off program is simply a way of identifying those
who can be away without impacting the clients. Maybe someone is realizing
the potential blowback with the random RA's. -canuck-
Comment
05/07/09:
That proposal offering 1/3 pay for time off seems like "experiments in
HR" to me. IBM wouldn't be doing this unless it's to their advantage
in some way. Perhaps they're biding time until the market improves, and fears
difficulty hiring and training once that happens; maybe a large contract is
pending or they have big expectations from the stimulus bill. But be certain
of one thing: they're not doing it for YOU. -Think-
Comment
05/07/09:
>> IBM is trying to cut some cost now. New program called "Take
Time" is asking people to take some time off for 1/3 pay. What a swell
idea. I bet the employees in the dept. who don't take the time off and have
to cover for the others will love this. Or will the joyous vacationers have
all their work waiting for them when they come back? Or will they have overseas
help brought in to cover for the happy vacationers and find their jobs cut
when they come back? I would imagine this all makes for one happy, stress-free
vacation. What a great idea!!! One word on this: BEWARE. -anonymouse-
Comment
05/06/09:
There is going to be lunch celebration on May 8th at RTP. The funny part about
this, is that IBM told the executives NOT to have parties for boosting Morale.
That's right. No parties, so there is someone (executive, Balog) that's going
to pay for the lunch with his own money for everyone. Man, it is about time,
huh? There is something so big that the executives are hiding and not telling
anyone. We all know things are not alright in STG, but there is just more
than that. No money, and probably we won't make the numbers for 3rd Quarter.
-Loose Bird-
Comment
05/06/09:
Let's think ruthless like IBM management for a second... OK, you've cut &
cut & cut people... your projects were already critically under staffed
2 or 3 cuts ago... but YOUR manager's manger assumes.. there's always room
for cuts, even if there isn't, AND no matter what the cuts HAVE to be done...
how do you figure out who else to cut? Assume everyone should be working the
butts off and shouldn't have time to blink, far less sleep, far less take
extra time OFF cause they all want to WIN.... YAY!... so, anyone who would
voluntarily take time off when things are so critical... MUST NOT WANT TO
WORK here THAT badly... let them volunteer for time off... and cut THOSE people,
when the time's right... muhahahah!! Ok, enough ruthless thinking... I'm so
sorry you folks at IBM are going through this. Been there done that... got
out when I saw the writing on the wall. I wish you guys the best, when you're
looking for your next job ... don't wait for these guys to chase you down
the hall. Be proactive, take your careers (and lives…) back!!! Start
a union or get out... either way, you'll be happier -Sincerely-
Comment
05/06/09:
Very interesting on the vacation @ 1/3 pay. Scrambling to buy time? I wonder
if all the bad press has finally caught up to them. Now that they didn't buy
SUN and can't hide behind layoffs related to that, more layoffs will stick
out like a sore thumb. AND the whole overseas tax profits issue is on the
national front burner and will cause scrutiny. Gotta love it :):) Get organized
while you still have time. -annonymous-
Comment
05/06/09:
Prelude to June Layoff: that is interesting. Those of us that were
not let go are sucking up the work of those that were. We now have half as
many people doing twice the amount of work. That "Take Time" plan
is concerning. It would have been so much easier for IBM to say that in order
to adjust to the economic condition, we are taking a temporary (6-month) 10%
pay reduction across the board. I think the Take Time is going to be used
as a means of "who's a team player and participated" effort. Even
if you participate, the work you are leaving behind does not get done by someone
else. Therefore, you get a back log, less pay, and more time to try to get
caught up. It is a ridiculous program. -Concerned@IBM-
Comment
05/06/09:
They're running a pilot program for STG & ISC. You can take 20 extra days
of vacation this summer at 1/3 pay. What do you all make of this? Are they
trying to see how many people will bite, and if not enough bites, keep going
with their original June layoffs? -prelude to June layoff?-
Comment
05/06/09:
If you disagree with the type of separation IBM indicates on the form (eg.
They write "Voluntary" when it is in fact "Involuntary",
do you have any recourse or simply refuse to sign the document? -Anonymous-
Comment
05/06/09:
IBM is trying to cut some cost now. New program called "Take Time"
is asking people to take some time off for 1/3 pay. See more info here:
http://w3.ibm.com/news/w3news/top_stories/2009/05/stgswg_taketime.html
For those with no access, some info from that link: "A
new pilot program will allow some IBMers the option to take time off this
summer at partial pay. The voluntary program – called "Take Time"
– is open to Systems and Technology Group and Integrated Supply Chain
employees in the United States." "How it works Regular
full-time employees can take anywhere from 10 to 20 extra days off (or seven
or 14 extra days off for employees working an alternate work schedule) –
at one-third pay – from May 15 through August 31. They are free to structure
the time away as they prefer – one day a week, all days consecutively,
or some variation in between, in full-day increments. Employees who are on
IBM sales incentive plans or in client-impact support roles are not eligible
to participate." -annonymous-
Comment
05/06/09:
"Why Jobs Go Begging Amid Layoffs" Business
Week article with IBM mention sure to raise some hackles.
http://www.businessweek.com/print/bwdaily/dnflash/content/may2009/db2009056_947943.htm
-Think-
Comment
05/06/09:
Here are my questions. Are you required to give IBM the names of people who
join before a vote? If we want a contract before the next round of cuts, and
we get enough people to join to call for a vote, how fast can the vote be
taken and a contract put in place? If one work group has enough people sign
up to hold a vote and then wins a majority in the vote, does the employment
contract apply to all of IBM or just that site? Thanks. -curious-
Alliance reply: No, we are not required to give IBM any names. Calling for
a vote and getting a contract is a lengthy process because companies like
IBM will do all it can to stop both. Go to this web site to see the reality
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/
There is no way we could get a contract before the next round of job cuts.
If there was a contract it would only be for the specific bargaining unit
of the workers involved eg. STG or other unit.
That is why we have been pushing people the past 10 years to sign up. Waiting
to the last minute just doesn't work.
Having said that a really riled up group of workers at a single site can really
put pressure on IBM and have a snowball effect
But organizing and pressure need to be done with employees willing to go public.
Hiding in the shadows and hoping a union is formed does not work. There is
a lot the Alliance can do even without a contract if people are willing to
take a stand.
Comment
05/06/09:
Alliance - maybe add a couple of zeros to your 200 May target and go for a
majority at some location? -annonymous-
Alliance
reply: We would love to but employees have yet to show us they will even get
us to 200. Past membership drives have been disappointing. We hope everyone
proves us wrong this time.
Comment
05/06/09:
Well. Well. Well. It seems Indian IT workers are joining unions in droves.
Now that they have our American jobs, they intend to protect them. It begs
the question -- in the face of OVERWHELMING evidence of the need of employment
contracts here in the U.S., what in the h*## is wrong with the Americans???
Have you not noticed there is a global IT war going on? Congress can fix some
of it with closing tax loopholes, but the rest is up to you. Even if layoffs
can't be eliminated, at least an employment contract would have some basis
for WHO gets laid off. Generally, there is some protection for seniority.
Not in IBM. The more senior you are the better your layoff chances.
http://www.upiasia.com/Economics/2009/05/06/it_workers_join_unions_to_fight_jobcuts/9707/
-annonymous-
Comment
05/06/09:
Anonymouse: You can't compare equivalent dollar figures between
a US salary and, for instance, an Indian salary. The cost of living is very
different between the two and completely skews the value of the same pay.
I'm also pretty damn tired of hearing that the US (or, by extension, US-based
companies) should be supporting the rest of the world because they "need
help." I don't begrudge those receiving aid or work in other parts of
the world but, dammit, where I live, you only have to walk a block or two
to find people in desperate need of HELP all around you. I refuse to tack
a mythical number onto these folks and claim that Person A in India "needs"
this IBM job more than Person B down the street from me "needs"
this IBM job. The jobs supplied to any workers in any country by IBM have
nothing whatsoever to do with NEED, but everything to do with GREED. Let's
not muddy the discussion by claiming that someone needs and deserves a job
more than someone else. In my mind, it just applies numbers to people, the
way IBM does, devaluing them. -NEEDorGREED-
Comment
05/06/09:
Don't people think off shoring jobs is right? If the same work could be done
with less expense, why not do it? Will you spend extra $200 to buy something
you can with $50? 5:1 is less than the salary rate of America and India. People
in other part of the world will work for less because they need the job more
then Americans do? If we are truly help the world and stand for democracy
and freedom, why against IBM help the people who need help more than Americans?
I see this is the trend of business, we need to stop free trade to stop off
shore. -Anonymouse-
Alliance
reply: It's
not necessary to stop free trade. What's necessary is for the workers, wherever
they are, to unionize. An "International" company should have an
'international union'. No more race to the bottom; disguised as "democracy
and freedom".
Build everyone up to the freedom to form unions and the democracy of union
members voting on a contract.
Comment
05/06/09:
GBS colleague of mine told me he received 30 day notice yesterday.
-mac-
Comment
05/06/09:
I got very different answers about medical programs for those laid off in
phone calls to Emplyoee Service Center. If you did not like what you heard
the first time, call back. The 1st person knew nothing really. But 2nd person
had very different answers and was aware of Obama subsidies. The Obama 65%
subsidy is for 9 months starting with the IBM coverage period. It covers any
premium paid and continues on if / when the IBM coverage ends. Coverage ends
for everyone after 9 months except those that get the 12 months IBM Plan.
The Obama subsidy is for health coverage and also the dental premium. Whatever
you had when you left IBM. I did not realize this. For a single person who
has the Dental Plus, the premium is reduced from an annual cost of about $580
down to $188 (so $15.71/mo). The Obama subsidy is paid to the companies. IBM
really wins on this because the companies get the money and IBM is going to
use it to pay for their coverage that they were paying for anyway. The EAP
(employee assistance) was no cost and you continue that. -anonymous-
Comment
05/06/09:
If anyone lives in Dubuque or going to work there you should express your
opinion to the city council on tax incentives under consideration - accountability
in disclosing layoffs, etc. http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=241949
-annonymous-
Comment
05/06/09:
STG Canada was a real sweatshop - and quite ridiculas. I was given an impossible
quota with no science behind it - and a limited set of customers -- all with
no IT budget. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/05/09:
"IBM Layoffs and Compensation Raise Disturbing Questions About Corporate
Ethics" <link>
-annonymous-
Alliance
reply:
Didn't George Carlin once say "Business Ethics is an oxymoron" or
something to that effect? Two words that don't go together ...like "Jumbo
Shrimp"or "Military Intelligence".
Comment
05/05/09:
-Anonymouse- The WARN act is different from state-to-state
but I think if it is over 50 per facility layoff (like a building on an IBM
site) more than 30 days is then required. If the building or facility you
are in is closing up completely then more than 30 days probably applies as
well. IBM will try to get off firing folks (i.e RA) with only 30 days notice
unless you can call them on it. They figure they are big, powerful and can
get away with it. If they get caught they deny fault and the slap on their
wrist just tickles them. -anonymouse2-
Comment
05/05/09:
Reason for Dislocation: Economic Economic reason.
Huh? IBM is a $100,000,000,000 corporation. NYS needs to investigate this
filing. As usual, IBM is definitely not telling the truth. TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY
IN ALL RELATIONSHIPS Yeah, right, IBM. -anonymous-
Comment
05/05/09:
To Very Disappointed: I am so sorry. I'm in the same boat & feel your
pain. It's inexcusable. How I wish I could turn back the clock and never joined
this company. You younger folks - take heed. Spend your loyalty wisely - you'll
never get these years back. -annonymous-
Comment
05/05/09:
>>It recently came to my attention that according to the WARN act,
the employer is required to give 60 or 90 day notice (with some other conditions
tagged to that like # employees fired). However I was given only 30.
anonymous, I think it depends on the number of people fired at your site.
Just think, one and all, where everyone would be if the Alliance were not
providing the truth on this site since these firings began in January!
-Anonymouse-
Comment
05/05/09:
July Layoffs posted on NY WARN site http://www.labor.ny.gov/app/WARN/details.asp?id=2207
Date of Notice:
4/30/2009
Control Number: 2008-0360
Rapid Response
Specialist : Elyse Adler
Reason Stated
for Filing: Plant Layoff
Company: International
Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
2070 Route 52
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
County: Dutchess
| WIB Name: DUTCHESS| Region: Mid-Hudson Region
Contact: Diane
Adams, East Fishkill Site Human Resource Manager
Phone: (845)
894-2010
Business Type:
Software Applications--Computer Manufacturing
Number Affected:
11
Total Employees:
-----
Layoff Date:
7/29/2009
Closing Date:
-----
Reason for Dislocation:
Economic
ERNUM: -----
Union: No bumping
rights practiced.
Classification:
Plant Layoff -Anon-
Comment
05/05/09:
To all of those who are still a part of IBM, do not get complacent. The massive
push of services staffing to the Iowa GDF is still to come, and soon. Those
who have held on this far may face a tougher challenge, as work-at-home employees
confront the directive to train new low-paid staff, document step-by-step
procedures for the job you perform, and finally to begin working at a GDF.
You may not receive the severance and transitional benefits given to those
in the earlier RAs. And many will go along with the program, hoping that giving
in and busting your butt will somehow spare you in the end. It won't, because
you have no leverage (remember all this talk about "At Will Employment"?).
First-line managers, project managers, and account support staff will find
themselves tossed aside quickly this time, too. Understand that they may not
consider what to come as an "RA." -Gabba Gabba Hey-
Comment
05/05/09:
Don't you guys think to form a Union will speed up the layoff rate? Before
there is a Union, IBM will layoff all the ppl it needs to. To form a Union
will make IBM to layoff faster because the Union will protect employees, so
before the Union forms, IBM may layoff 90% of the employees. Then, what is
the point to have a Union -Anonymous-
Alliance reply: Alliance@IBM has been organizing since 1999. IBM has been
laying off workers since 1994. They have accelerated their layoffs when they
saw that cheap labor could save them $Billions..., not because they were afraid
of a union. The union can protect the employees with a contract that is bargained
between IBM Executive management and Aliance@IBM CWA. The point of the union
is to grow the membership so that we can eventually bargain collectively with
IBM. To paraphrase a Lotto ad: You can't win if you don't fight.
Comment
05/05/09:
I don't think the top management really cares about future of IBM. Even if
IBM goes bankrupt the next day, they are still rich. IBM is just a machine
that makes money for them and the investors. If this machine is down, there
are other machines. The true IBM spirit is long gone, the greedy and money
power have driven IBM to today: sell bad services, lie to clients and force
low quality product to them. Hope ppl who really care about IBM, care about
America will do something good to the nation. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/05/09:
This is not the company that I hired on with 28 years ago. I remember graduating
from college and happily telling my mom and other classmates that I was being
hired by IBM. This was a highly respected company and a company that would
hold the highest respect for its employees. As a manager, I got a chance to
go onto college recruiting trips and I would proudly tell the students what
an honor it was to work for a company like IBM. I would talk about the opportunties
that the company would afford them, if hired. On several of the campuses that
I had the opportunity to revisit, the students would flock to me to hear about
the wonderful company named \"IBM\". I am so disappointed about
the way I was treated after 28 years of service that I would not recommend
my worst enemy to work for this company. After 28 years of good performance
and 25 years of management, I was treated like something flushed down the
toliet. I did not get 30 years, therefore, my retirement check is altered
in pay and my medical is gone in one year. A landed person from India comes
over and take my job. I was not even thanked for the years of travel, hard
work, recruiting, etc. that I did for this company. I would have never thought
my career would have ended this way with this company. On 4/27. ,my manager
told me to send her my thinkpad, badge, and IDs to my computer and I could
take the rest of the day off. She told me she would send me my check when
she got the items. Twenty eight years ended in 1.5 minutes. I am truly disappointed.
-Very disappointed-
Comment
05/05/09:
Does anyone know when is the next layoff in STG? I have heard June is the
next wave. Anyone can verify this? Thanks. -STG in Cali-
Comment
05/05/09:
Regarding the 65% COBRA discount. I was just told by the Employee Service
rep that I am not eligible for the discount because I was offered Retirement
Medical. I did not take the Retirement Medical, but they say it doesn't matter
- it was offered. -Anon-in-TX-
Alliance reply: We have someone looking into this. A number of people are
reporting the same situation.
Comment
05/05/09:
An LTS is not considered and employee. I would look at the contract and see
what it says on termination or cancelation of the contract. -retired-
Comment
05/05/09:
To member: There is another side of that coin. What if, somebody like me was
a dues paying member for several years. (no need to prove it now I'm long
gone, I know thats your first question) Anyway, I was a dues paying member
for several years and got the axe anyway. In hind sight, I would of been much
better off putting that money in a coffee can every month. That way, I would
have that cash today anyway. Nothing against Alliance, but it never helped
to save my job. As long as IBM continues to axe these people, you won't ever
have enough members. You know it and they know it. -Gone_in_07-
Alliance reply: We will answer this first and let "member" answer
later if he/she wishes.
We know we can't save everyone's job; but we have been here to answer questions
from countless employees and members on a number of issues. We have helped
on legal questions and referrals. We have broken the secrecy of IBM job cuts.
We have alerted the media and
Congress on the offshoring of jobs. We have testified against tax breaks in
NY state for IBM. We have held stockholder actions.
The comment sections give employees the only opportunity to write and vent
about IBM policies. The web site is the only "one stop" place for
news and information for IBM employees. We are sorry you don't believe any
of this is worth $10 a month (how many cups of coffee is that?); but imagine
if the Alliance wasn't here? Where would employees with questions, go? Armonk?
Who would bust the secrecy of job cuts and offshoring? I think everyone knows
the answer.
Comment
05/05/09:
I was part of the recent RA job cuts and my last date with IBM was 4/27/09.
Prior to that I had been with them for ten years. I am a resident of New York
city. I was notified of my termination on 3/26. It recently came to my attention
that according to the WARN act, the employer is required to give 60 or 90
day notice (with some other conditions tagged to that like # employees fired).
However I was given only 30. Now that I have signed the GCOR, is there any
thing I could do about it? Has anyone gone through a similar experience? Thanks
-anonymous-
Comment
05/05/09:
I was a Long Term Supplemental employee which is a 3 year contract. I was
regularly told they want to extend me or make me perm and 2 months before
the contract was to expire they told me they could not keep me because the
area was not doing well. It ended in March. I received my COBRA Bill for the
portion of March I did not work and for the month of April. I called the IBM
Employee Services Center to ask about the 65% COBRA reduction through the
stimulus package. They said they didn't have this in place and I would see
it the next month. In May I got a bill and the 65% COBRA reduction was not
there. They first said as a Long Term Supplemental I did not qualify. I was
outraged so I called my Congressman and then the Dept. of Labor. The Dept.
of Labor referred me to this website: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html
and then link IRS Notice 2009-27. There is a section that says "An
involuntary termination may include the employer's failure to renew a contract
at the time the contract expires, if the employee was willing and able to
execute a new contract providing terms and conditions similar to those in
the expiring contract and to continue providing the services."
This clearly indicates I deserve COBRA and in 2 days they straightened it
out. I think all Long Term Supplementals should be aware of this in case they
are having this issue. It is also amazing that the 65% COBRA subsidy is being
given to IBM by the government so why would they even think of not giving
it to me. I have a few things.
1 - If you want to publish this please do not use my real name.
2 - Do Long Term Supplementals have any legal rights? As far as I'm concerned
this is a layoff no different than a perm employee.
Thank you for your time.
-Anonymous-
Alliance
Reply: Sorry for your job loss. I don't have a detailed answer to your question.
My guess is that the information you found on the DOL site are the legal rights
as far as COBRA itself is concerned. However, the legal rights you may be
seeking in regard to how IBM treated you, may be non-existent; since you were
an 'At Will Employee'. At Will Employee policy covers temporary and suplemental
as well as full time, part-time employees; If you don't have a specific individual
contract between the employer and you. If you DO have a contract, then the
specifics about "Long Term Supplememntal' status should/would be in the
contract....again, I'm guessing about this. If you're in doubt and still want
to be sure, consult an attorney of your choice.
Please let me or Alliance@IBM know what you find out. In the meantime, check
out this link to the Federal DOL: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML
Comment
05/05/09:
I was part of the recent RA; my last day was 4/72/09. I wanted to give the
stats for division 3F, MBPS in GTS:
======================================
Total employees in division: 703
Total Selected for RA: 97
Total NOT Selected: 606
Selected for RA Percent: 13.80 %
======================================
Group 1 Stats
Number and Percent of RAed employees by Age
18: RA(0), RA%-0
%, not-RA(0), total(0)
19: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
20: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
21: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
22: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
23: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(1), total(1)
24: RA(1), RA%-100 %, not-RA(0), total(1)
25: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(2), total(2)
26: RA(1), RA%-33 %, not-RA(2), total(3)
27: RA(1), RA%-20 %, not-RA(4), total(5)
28: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(4), total(4)
29: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(4), total(4)
30: RA(1), RA%-11 %, not-RA(8), total(9)
31: RA(6), RA%-30 %, not-RA(14), total(20)
32: RA(5), RA%-28 %, not-RA(13), total(18)
33: RA(2), RA%-22 %, not-RA(7), total(9)
34: RA(2), RA%-13 %, not-RA(14), total(16)
35: RA(7), RA%-33 %, not-RA(14), total(21)
36: RA(2), RA%-12 %, not-RA(15), total(17)
37: RA(1), RA%-4 %, not-RA(24), total(25)
38: RA(3), RA%-14 %, not-RA(18), total(21)
39: RA(3), RA%-9 %, not-RA(31), total(34)
40: RA(4), RA%-15 %, not-RA(23), total(27)
41: RA(2), RA%-9 %, not-RA(20), total(22)
42: RA(1), RA%-3 %, not-RA(30), total(31)
43: RA(2), RA%-9 %, not-RA(21), total(23)
44: RA(2), RA%-7 %, not-RA(26), total(28)
45: RA(3), RA%-14 %, not-RA(19), total(22)
46: RA(4), RA%-12 %, not-RA(29), total(33)
47: RA(6), RA%-18 %, not-RA(27), total(33)
48: RA(8), RA%-20 %, not-RA(33), total(41)
49: RA(3), RA%-10 %, not-RA(27), total(30)
50: RA(8), RA%-31 %, not-RA(18), total(26)
51: RA(1), RA%-6 %, not-RA(17), total(18)
52: RA(1), RA%-4 %, not-RA(23), total(24)
53: RA(6), RA%-20 %, not-RA(24), total(30)
54: RA(2), RA%-13 %, not-RA(14), total(16)
55: RA(2), RA%-15 %, not-RA(11), total(13)
56: RA(2), RA%-10 %, not-RA(18), total(20)
57: RA(2), RA%-14 %, not-RA(12), total(14)
58: RA(1), RA%-13 %, not-RA(7), total(8)
59: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(12), total(12)
60: RA(1), RA%-17 %, not-RA(5), total(6)
61: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(4), total(4)
62: RA(1), RA%-33 %, not-RA(2), total(3)
63: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
64: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(1), total(1)
65: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(2), total(2)
66: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(4), total(4)
67: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(1), total(1)
68: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(1), total(1)
69: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
70: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
71: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
72: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
73: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
74: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
75: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
76: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
77: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0)
78: RA(0), RA%-0 %, not-RA(0), total(0) -Disgruntled-
Comment
05/05/09:
To people posting comments that are not dues paying members, please see May
membership drive notice on the front page of this web site. if you are using
this web site and are not a member please join today. The current dues paying
members are the ones supporting your access to this site, its comment sections
and information. The members are the ones that help keep this organization
alive. Please do your part and join today -member-
Comment
05/05/09:
to CM: You are exactly right. Passing this legsilation will be a HUGE political
fight. Companies will spend 100s of millions lobbying. All we have is our
voices. Use them! I have bookmarked my reps contact pages & first thing
I do everyday is write which takes all of about 3 minutes. For those of you
who think it doesn't work, every Congressional office & white house have
paid staffers whose only job is to log and tally input from phone calls &
email contacts from constituents. Numbers count! They were elected to represent
YOU. And, if they don't - remember that in the voting booth. -annonymous-
Comment
05/04/09:
Okay I am recently RA'd -- and I apologize if this comment does not belong
here but I am truly not sure where to place it. I
read through details on the web related to the stimulus package, and it looks
like companies are able to pay 65% of the employees COBRA
through December 31st 2009. In reading through the details of my termination
agreement, it appears that IBM has chosen to only provide that 65% coverage
based on years of service -- under 5 years you only get three months; 5 or
more years but less than 25 yeras you get six months at the adjusted rate.
Here is my question: if IBM is receiving stimulus money from the government,
and the stimulus is good through 2009 -- how then are they able to only offer
this benefit for only three months to some employees? It just seems wrong
to me...has anyone investigated this?
-exIBMer-
Comment
05/04/09:
I gave IBM half my working life. The day I got laid off my manager chased
me down the hall like a black slave. The jerk told me I was selected for a
"Resource Action" like I won some sort of prize. A booby prize maybe.
LOL . What a joke of a company. This company deserves no respect by any employee.
I have another good job now and don't need this piece of crap company called
IBM. I will hate and trash IBM until the day I die. For those of you still
there here is some advice. Join the Alliance. It is too late for me since
I no longer work for this crap company. IBM is like a mean pit bull. One day
it is just going to bite you in the ass. A Union will put a muzzle on this
mean dog. -FreeAtLast-
Comment
05/04/09:
Now is the time. If you want to do something to end jobs being shipped offshore
for tax reasons, support President Obama's current proposal to end offshore
tax loopholes. Write to your representatives in Congress today, tomorrow,
and every day until they end the loopholes. Here's an example of an email,
I have sent to all my representatives.
Dear Senator x,
Please
fully and whole heartedly support President Obama's proposal to close the
corporate tax loophole for offshore earnings. The current tax loophole is
costing more American jobs than it could ever provide in return. Good jobs.
High-tech jobs. Just the type of job we want in America. The CEO's of large
corporations may support the loophole, but they are few in number compared
to the voting workers who want jobs to stay in the United States. Approximately
50,000 of my colleagues at IBM have lost highly skilled jobs to offshoring
in the past 6 years. I knew some of them personally. They represent a highly
skilled, highly educated workforce being lost to better the careers of CEO's
who care more about personal profits than about America's future. Once again
please support President Obama and completely abolish the current offshore
tax loophole.
Sincerely, -CM-
Comment
05/04/09:
I may have missed the twitter, but I have not made an invalid point. My whole
point is that the Union should humbly accept suggestions from potential clients.
The way I see it, you have only covered 5% of the workforce over 10 years,
that would be wise of you to adopt suggestions and expand that could possibly
help. Don't critisize people that could someday help pay your salary. I am
not critisizing your organization, I am offering suggestions, and I do not
appreciate the pun in return. I am an employee and I can either adovocate
for this Union or against it. -Alliance-Invisible-
Alliance-Invisible,
I didn't intend to offend you, nor criticze your suggestions. My apologies.
Actually I was trying to tell you that we had already taken the suggestions
from other visitors to our web site, regarding Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN,
etc.. I do appreciate your suggestions; however I believe I also have the
same right as you do, to point out what you may have missed.. that's all.
We need our visitors suggestions; but we also need them to read the site and
search for the answers to their questions.
That's what we're here for. We don't really look at our potential members
as 'clients'....more like brothers and sisters joining together for a common
cause. Please accept my apologies. Please consider joining Alliance@IBM. Get
involved with the campaign to organize IBM.
Rick
White
Treasurer, Organizer, Web Maintenance
and Health & Safety Representative
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org
Twitter: @iwisweb
Comment
05/04/09:
To Alliance-invisible: If YOU used Twitter, you'd know Aliiance is
all over it. Do a search on IBM. Everyone should spend some time twittering
about the latest news. We''re preaching to the choir on this site -- word
needs to get OUT in the public. -annonymous-
Alliance
reply: Thank you for the supportive comment.
Although we have been on Twitter for a couple of weeks, we received a letter
from an anonymous RA'd IBMer, who gave us some great ideas for Twittering
and basically, social networking. I made sure to jump on it while the "iron
is hot". Credit must be given to that anonymous sender. Thank you for
the very helpful ideas. The possibilities are endless. Especially in light
of what we did in 2007 with "Second Life" and the demonstrations
and basic interruption we made at an IBM virtual meeting in Europe, at that
time.
Comment
05/04/09:
Obama had a good step in the right direction today, but is it too little
too late for this Union? Does this Union have exposure on Facebook, LinkedIn,
or Twitter as a network? With todays vast numbers of work at home employees,
a little creativity and ambition helps. However, maybe the Union is just another
dying breed such as IT in the USA. -Alliance-invisible-
Alliance reply:
Apparently you are not as observant as you would like us to be visible...
We've had the link to our Twitter id in the Alliance Sticky (above), for about
two weeks, or more. I've been tweeting messages regarding the upcoming June
layoffs since Friday, May 1st. We don't have a dedicated Alliance@IBM Facebook
account as of yet; however I have Alliance@IBM related material on my personal
Facebook account. Our National Coordinator has setup a LinkedIn account; but
I haven't had a chance to check it out. So much for us being 'invisible'....
Rick
White
Treasurer, Organizer, Web Maintenance
and Health & Safety Representative
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org
Twitter: @iwisweb
Comment
05/04/09:
Simply Beautiful!!! http://www.reuters.com/article/economicNews/idUSN0440647120090504
I wonder why (ahem...) certain tech companies wouldn't like
this??? I dunno... :) I really hope this passes -Anon-
Comment
05/04/09:
See CNN article. Call or write the White House today and your Congressmen
in support of eliminating tax breaks on overseas profits. NOW is the time.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/04/obama.tax.code/index.html
"I support eliminating tax breaks for corporate overseas profits. Hundreds
of thousands, if not millions, of American jobs have been offshored to take
advantage of the 5% income tax on overseas profits." whitehouse.gov 202-456-1111
-annonymous-
Comment
05/04/09:
My last day was 4/27 and I received two checks as well. To me this felt
like a last ditch effort to get folks on the fence to sign the separation
contract. If you sign the contract you get to leave with both checks on the
spot. If you don't then your manager has to call someone to figure out which
envelope may be issued, despite the fact that both envelopes are addressed
to the employee. You can't open both and leave the severance. I had same feeling
you get when a car salesman says he'll have to talk to his manager. Oh yeah,
and Internet Security Systems employees shouldn't be surprised to learn that
severance for original ISS workers is counted from our IBM takeover, 10/24/06,
not our ISS hire date. Everybody got 5 weeks or less. -ScrewIBM-
Comment
05/04/09:
I watch this post and am amazed. I no longer am employed by IBM but I was
for 9 years- the IBM of my youth (70s - 80s) is long gone. This is a sweat
shop. I do not believe unions are a panacea for all our woes but the only
way you can somewhat control you destiny with any company is to have a union
contract. Good luck to you all. -glocker-
Comment
05/03/09:
Johnny Boy comment on 4/29/09: You are so correct on the secrecy aspect
of IBM. IBM has made secrecy a way of life so that no one trusts anyone. What
a way to live your life and work for a company where you can trust no one.
The fear is that if you know something about what someone else knows, then
that is a threat to their job. If an employee thinks that "no one else
knows how to do what I do" will keep them safe and employed, the latest
round of layoffs has eliminated that belief. NO ONE is SAFE! -Gone
and Glad-
Comment
05/02/09:
The management separation checklist says that the ridiculously employee
limiting "Document of Understanding" is mandatory for all departing
employees to sign. (non-compete, IBM owns all your intellectual capital, on
and on. What is "mandatory" about it? What can they do if you refuse
to sign it? -Anonymous-
Alliance reply:
They can do about anything they want to. They may tell you that refusal to
sign may mean losing severance and/or eligibility for unemployment benefits.
One truth, and one half-truth. Remember: At Will
Employee=no union contract=no voice in the workplace=no protection from IBM's
abuse.
Comment
05/02/09:
_Amazed_ You do not think Sam would survive a commercial flight
do you? An ex IBMer or a friend of one would beat his greedy ass in the bathroom
if he tried to. What I do not understand is when the company he runs gives
the lowest paid employees a 1 percent raise and the highest paid employee(
HIM) a 29 percent raise, anyone would be amazed that he bought himself 2 new
jets? Angered or Disgusted yes but Amazed? Nothing corporate America does
to its non union employees should amaze anyone. After all, Anyone working
without a contract is no better off then a serf in medevil times. The fiefdom
gets the profits and the serfs get the broken backs. I understand where you
are coming from and agree with you in the fact that it is flaunting the wealth
whilst pleading poverty but the lord and master can do that as long as we
peasants do not rise up to stop him. -Exodus2007-
Alliance reply:
Agree whole heartedly. Although, "rising up to stop him"
would not stop him; BUT rising up to take a seat at the bargaining table and
being able to influence stockholder meetings in your favor (like CWA did at
AT&T) would be just as good as an end result. He and all CEO's like him
will continue to get rich and gloat with their wealth...
however, organzing will at least level the field.
Comment
05/02/09:
"I have just resigned from my job because I will not have a
job anymore from this institution. I have NEVER applyed for unemployment before.
Can I draw unemployment for awhile?":
A. I don't think you can get unemployment now since you voluntarily resigned
or quit your job!
In order to get unemployment you need to be fired (without malicious cause),
laid off, or permanently let go (RA'ed) by your employer. You *might* be able
to fight to get unemployment if you quit and can prove you were unduly hassled
and was in effect forced to quit but you might need a good lawyer to support
your cause to your state's unemployment office. -anonymous-
Comment
05/02/09:
Another sad example of how shipping jobs overseas ruins American
families. Undoubtedly two loyal employees http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1510269.html
-Annonymous-
Comment
05/01/09:
To Anonymouse - yes, you are completely correct in that is how
they do it. But remember these things...
1) IBM is indeed more generous in severance than most. I can say this because
I got the same "shaft" as you for 6 weeks severance in my case,
but I have friends who have gotten "RAed" from other name-brand
companies with much less than we got.
2) We have no contract/union. Therefore, IBM makes the rules. The service
reference date is for vacation calcs, pension (when we had
it), quarter century (a joke now) and so on. But for years now, and well before
this RA (I was RAed once before, when a project lost funding, and it was not
a "headcount reduction" RA, and I found another really good gig
at the time when there were jobs to be had) the severance was indeed "from
the most recent date of hire" so this is not new news. All of this still
sucks, but it is what it is, and if anyone wants it changed (we can't now,
since we're not employees so joining a union now is way too late), there needs
to be an employment contract = union. Till then, IBM unilaterally makes the
rules, and those still left in IBM get to live by them, or quit (or eventually
get RAed and live under the rules set forth at that time). Sigh.... -RAed
in Jan-
Comment
05/01/09:
I have just resigned from my job because I will not have a job
anymore from this institution. I have NEVER applyed for unemployment before.
Can I draw unemployment for awhile? -Anonymous-
Comment
05/01/09:
Incredible budget constraints imposed .....RA's by the thousands,
outsourcing of american jobs overseas.......yet 2 NEW GULFSTREAM JETS BEING
ORDERED @ $70M /each. FACT! -Amazed-
Comment
05/01/09:
Exit interview? My manager never once thanked me for all my
years of service at IBM, the revenue that I generated, or the fires that I
put out (metaphorically). There was no wish of good luck. Was he more worried
about covering his own arse? Has he kept on the blinders as to what is happening?
Or perhaps he just doesn't give a damn... In any case, I didn't care one bit,
I just wanted to get it over with and get my forms signed so that I can move
on and get on with life outside of IBM. It is such a change from the way that
I felt when I became an employee -- proud in a way and thankful to have landed
a position at this company. My, how things changed over the years. We are
all in a terrible position now, as the work needed to organize and take back
the control that the employees need will be difficult. For those who have
left IBM as I have, we need to stay vigilant and ensure that this type of
treatment does not continue for us within the scope of our future employment.
The need to take control extends beyond the boundaries of IBM, and perhaps
the Alliance can be a starting an rallying point. -SickOfItAll-
Comment
05/01/09:
I just spoke w/EEOC. When a discrimination charge is filed they
investigate the case whether or not the individual has waived any rights to
receiving monetary award. Charges must be filed within 180 days. The EEOC
investigates whether the company has violated Federal discrimination law.
If the EEOC finds that the company discriminated on the basis of age, there
are penalties by the government on the company. What the individual decides
to do after EEOC ruling - to file a lawsuit or not - is a totally different
issue. That needs to be discussed with your own attorney. Note: "It is
also unlawful to retaliate against an individual for opposing employment practices
that discriminate based on age or for filing an age discrimination charge,
testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or
litigation under the ADEA." -aging
boomer-
Comment
05/01/09:
All: You have seven days to revoke the separation agreement.
If you have doubts, now is the time to talk to an attorney. -annonymous-
Comment
05/01/09:
Just FYI.. I received a separate check via USPS from IBM for
my final expense reimbursements. I submitted them into the system around 4/07
and they were not included in my final payroll check. Just FYI for anyone
else that may wondering how it is being handled -John Boy-
Comment
05/01/09:
RAed inFeb - thanks for your advice, i am also in GA, perhaps
this separation notice is only for certain states, i do not know of anyone
else who got one. If you still do not have the signed paper, how are you receiving
unemployment benefits?? -DOL_separation_notice-
Comment
05/01/09:
May God bless and look out for the most recent to be sacrificed
at the altar of obscene profit. Will those remaining please wake up and organize.
Sure IBM has cheated people out of weeks of severance, but even worse they
have cheated people out of their self respect and normal family lives. Isn't
it high time to hold them accountable ? I clicked the link to send the letter
to my representatives. To date none of them have bothered to respond. By the
way they are ALL Democrats. Guess its safe to say they are going to do NOTHING
to help us so we better start doing for ourselves. Anyone notice that the
United Auto Workers now own 55 percent of Chrysler. Now thats the power of
a contract. Wouldn't that be great whenever IBM wanted a wage cocession we
took a piece of the company for it! We would be an employee owned company
in 10 years the way these morons on the board are running this place. Owning
the door would sure be nicer then being shown the door wouldn't it?
-Exodus2007-
Comment
05/01/09:
For those that are RA'd and have yet to go through the exit interview,
please DO NOT volunteer any information to your 1st line manager. He or she
will be fishing for information regarding your employment status. They'll
want to know where you are working or where you have applied to. They'll also
want to know what you have been doing with your time while on notice (if you
haven't been working). It is simple. They want to know this because when they
are put into this position again, they can tell the RA'd employees where other
RA'd employees have found work or where to try to apply. My manager did little
if anything to aid in my job search except to send me one email about a job
fair that was coming up in my area. I was fortunate my manager did not press
me for details after I gave vague and evasive answers. Keep conversation to
a minimum, offer no opinions and keep it civil and professional. Avoid "small
talk," this is not a social visit. Of course, they will thank you for
your years of service and wish you the best of luck. I do wish you all the
best as well. Keep smiling even though there will be days when you will not
want to. -Gone
and Glad-
Comment
05/01/09:
Heard this week that the next round is in planning stages for
ITD. At least quarterly through year end. -LowlySDM-
Comment
05/01/09:
To aging boomer: I like your spirit and enthusiasm; however,
I think you need to settle down and read the fine print again. When IBM says
nothing prevents you from participating in an EEOC complaint; however, if
you win you cannot obtain relief from IBM, effectively that means since there
are no damages to be recovered from IBM your case will not be investigated.
I am not a lawyer, so I could be wrong. I'm guessing maybe some of you would
benefit by contacting a lawyer. If you have a strong case, you will probably
know it. I am sorry for your job loss. Best of luck. -LearningFast-
Comment
05/01/09:
running-out-of-time...it was I who posted that, yup. IBM was
my husband's only career and we never dreamed we'd be anything but an IBM
family for life! He was the go-to-guy on his team and even other teams. Nearly
32 years, 54 years old. We still have moments of "is this a bad dream?"
*sigh* -justme-
Comment
05/01/09:
to -Reality Check- Re: Here is a reality check for those of
you left behind who think you are immune to a Resource Action. Based on the
comments here, I don't think any of us (or many of us) believe that we're
immune. I think there was posting of a 30+ year IBMer (or maybe his wife posted)
thinking they were an IBM family for life, but from most of the postings,
many feel it's just a matter of time before they're RAed as well. I think
it's been clear time and time here that IBM is not interested in skill retention
any more. If you make more than minimum wage you're a target for an RA.
-running_out_of_time-
Comment
05/01/09:
-Abraham Lincoln- I agree. IBM borrowing bond money
at 8% and using it then to buy back stock makes no sense to me. If the stock
is $104 then it is like buying it at $112. Again, makes no sense to me. But,
then again, I was recently RA'd so I'm sure I know nothing and have nothing
of value to contribute - at least that is what IBM's actions have told me
so it must be true <wink>. -John Boy-
Comment
05/01/09:
to former-IBMer: as usual your manager is out of the loop. You do
get two checks: your severance and paycheck but not by direct deposit. A day
after my laptop and papers arrived at my manager's end, my checks arrived
by UPS. Your vacation pay comes the next cycle. That said not everything will
come by check. I've gotten three checks direct deposited since leaving IBM:
my two physical health rebates and a out of the blue inventor's award.
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/01/09:
John Boy, thanks so much for the response. I should have mentioned
it in my first post, but my husband wasn't given the honor of an in-person
exit interview. Instead, they told him to freaking MAIL his laptop out of
state with his separation agreement. Can you believe that??? It's terrible
and insulting. Anyway, there was no in-person exit interview, so there was
no chance to hand my husband any type of check (severance, last paycheck,
vacation, owed expenses). It seems we're now at the mercy of the USPS to get
a hard-copy check to us? You'd think a publicly-traded company doing such
mass, mass layoffs would have a better system for this. -WifeOfEx-GBSer-
Comment
05/01/09:
To both sides of the age issue: You are BOTH right. In some cases jobs &
entire divisions are moving offshore on a 1:1 ratio and doesn't matter whether
you're 20 or 60. Older workers are prime targets with higher salaries and
who are more costly to insure and make pension contributions. Those savings
are ALSO going to fund overseas work. They have this down to a science to
maximize diversion into cheaper markets and exploit lower US corporate tax
rates on overseas profits. Has absolutely nothing to do with your skills or
performance. Not only are older workers devasted with lack of income just
like younger workers, but we don't have the time to rebuild a career. The
last few years of employment are THE most critical for retirement contributions
AND adversely affect Social Security calculations. -annonymous-
Comment
05/01/09:
Straight from my package:
"By signing this agreement you do NOT release your right to file a charge
with or participate in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the US
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or similar government agency.
But even though you can file a charge or participate in an investigation or
proceeding conducted by the EEOC or similar government agency, by signing
this Agreement you are waiving your ability to obtain relief of any kind from
IBM to the extent permitted by law."
As far as the phrase
--"to the extent permitted by law" -- ask any attorney. There is
no contract ever written that cannot be challenged in court. I would suggest
everyone in the older age categories file a complaint with the EEOC at the
same time. ( I do not believe you need an attorney to do that.) If the EEOC
gets 6000 complaints on the same day, you can be sure it will get attention
of not only the government but law firms with labor law expertise that handle
class-action cases. I suggest we get the word out thru every medium possible
- email, twitter, facebook,blogs, etc. to file EEOC complaints on May 15 and
ALL of us call that day. NOTHING in what you signed prevents you from exercising
this right or any repercussions from doing so. And we will have an answer
one way or the other if RAs of older workers were within the law. Show of
hands? Alliance - if you are blitzed w/responses, just tally & post how
many commit to exercising their right. Thank you. -aging boomer-
Comment
05/01/09:
To Reality: Your statement: Myth: "I won't be RA'ed
because I am the only one who knows how to do my job so they need me."
Fact: I was
RA'ed and there is no one who knows anything about my programs and responsibilities.
My job was given to someone who doesn't have a clue how to do it.
Is absolutely 100% correct. I too had a job that was done by no one else,
unique responsibilities, and I was let go. For those who are confused about
how people are selected for cuts, it is simple. It is all about costs. IBM
will maximize cost savings. Therefore, they select people for cuts based on
salary. The higher your salary, the more likely you are to be cut. IBM does
have a goal off offshoring employees, and have accelerated the transfer rate
this year, but always remember, the final goal is to reduce employment costs.
The average IBM'er in the US make about $70K per year. IBM will not stop taking
action to reduce that number. My question is: at what point does "wage
discrimination" become "age discrimination" ? Remember, the
higher wages are typically earned by older employees. -RA'd in
East Fishkill-
Comment
04/30/09:
RA'ed, last day 4/27. Here is a reality check for those of you left behind
who think you are immune to a Resource Action.
Myth: "I won't be RA'ed because I am overwhelmed with
work including new projects."
Fact: I was overwhelmed with work including new projects and was still RA'ed.
Myth: "I won't be RA'ed because I am the only one who knows how to
do my job so they need me."
Fact: I was RA'ed and there is no one who knows anything about my programs
and responsibilities. My job was given to someone who doesn't have a clue
how to do it.
Myth: "I am good team player , volunteer for everything, and go the
extra mile, so I won't be RA'ed."
Fact: I volunteered for many extra jobs in my department, had great relationships
with my teammates and always helped whenever needed, and was still RA'ed.
Of those who were not RA'ed in my dept, there are a number who are difficult
to work with and volunteer for nothing, but have some cutting edge tech skills.
So all the IBM "values" hype is just hype. If you want to know what
the true IBM "values" are, look at what they do and not what they
say. At the end of the day, it's all about the bottom line, ie profit. The
fact is, none of you are immune from this ie. you are all at risk of being
RA'ed. Wake up and smell the roses. It is not going to change, not ever, without
a union. -Reality Check-
Comment
04/30/09:
-WifeOfEx-GBSer- I received a "live" check
for the final two weeks along with my severance check when I turned in my
computer and badge and signed the release form. But I did so in person. My
bank put a 5 day hold on both checks. I understand why the severance is a
check, but I don't understand why the last payroll payment has to be that
way. But, unfortunately, it is what it is. -John Boy-
Comment
04/30/09:
RAed in the March round, last day was 4/27. Told by mgr that I was "chosen"
based on depth of skills, yet my work (software development) was given to
a GR that has a completely different skill set. While I was not required to
do in-depth training, I was asked to explain everything to the GR getting
all my work (and it was a lot of work). The poor fellow later called me because
he is struggling to understand the programs, i.e. most of my pgms are written
in Java and he does not know Java. The truth is, my mgr--who is fairly new
to our dept--does not understand what people actually do and the complexity
of their jobs, even though I tried to explain it to him. Those chosen for
job cuts are based on the manager's (mis)perceptions and where they have you
pegholed in the office political structure. To those of you are are left,
wake up. This is the company you are working for. Do not ever expected to
be treated fairly without a union. Ps--I pity the people left behind with
my work. There is no one who knows how to do my job or even vaguely understand
how complex it is. I predict impending disaster within one month when everything
stops and nobody knows how to fix it, and product doesn't ship. And if they
call me to help them fix it, they will have to draw up a purchase order first.
-Movin On-
Comment
04/30/09:
I just sent back my laptop and the papers today after alot of thought. I decided
I need that severance check and I was told I would not get it without signing.
My manager said he had 2 checks - he "thought" but couldn't confirm
that 1 was severance and 1 was vacation pay. I expected my final paycheck
to be deposited in my account today since it is a "normal" paycheck
but it isn't there. Anyone know how I get that one??? Thanks!! -former_ibmer-
Comment
04/30/09:
Keep hammering the age issue every day if you believe it is true. IBM is obviously
worried and is trying to defend this issue with BS logic and may even be posting
opinions on the Alliance Job Cuts website. If IBM is intentionally targeting
a union website with malicious intent to suppress the union, go after them
for racketeering charges (RICO) or whatever protection is available. IBM's
actions speak for themselves. -LearningFast-
Comment
04/30/09:
To:nothingtodowithage / Others / The Alliance. Guys,
let's stop arguing about figuring out what it's about. Take a step back. IBM
is a public company, where dividends and stock price are the driving factors.
IBM execs own millions in stock, so their motivation has to be aligned with
the shareholder. In the end, it is about money. IBM has the right to do business
anyway it pleases. So do the employees. The only way to do this, is UNIONIZE.
IT is a hard industry to unionize anyway. However, what is missing? Why is
the alliance not getting the point across to IBM employees? I think part of
it is the employees are driven in fear, they don't have time to stop, to think,
how many of you have been really creative in your job ? How gratified are
you ? Forget just the people coming to the alliance, maybe we come here, because
we have somehow "failed" in IBM's eyes. But, if all us came together,
and took a stand, what will these executives accomplish by themselves ? I
want us to pause, for a moment, respond, not react, how do come together.
Forget Alliance or not, how do we have one voice ? How do we included others
in this voice, a voice for levelling the playing field. Why can't we ? We
can't, because, somewhere, there is a greed within us, and greed begets fear.
Sure, there is need, to feed the family, pay the mortgage, but why should
that prevent you from passing the message ? Have a sit-down with a colleage,
have a chat. I know I am gone, but, I want to better the life of people. IBM,
and their execs can go to hell for all I care, but it's families losing their
means to a home, a meal, a medication. It breaks my heart. So, stop, Think.
-MD-
Comment
04/30/09:
To Mac about "sub ing back': Be very careful. There are different implications
coming back as a contractor, supplemental or re-hire. In some cases, you lose
ALL severance. Get clarification about the 'sub ing' offer regarding EXACTLY
what classification you would be. Get on the phone w/ESC to understand under
which condition you lose severance -- before you do anything! -annonymous-
Comment
04/30/09:
What is a DoL (Dept of Labor) separation notice? I haven't filed for unemployment
yet - do I need a new form beyond the ibm separation 'package'? ty.
-A question-
Comment
04/30/09:
When anyone leave the company the last paycheck is always a "hardcopy
real check". It's not unique to this RA. The person who separated your
husband from the company should have explained that to him. Also, if an employee
worked for PWcc (there are several other companies too, just can't remember
them) their severence payout is based on their Service Reference Date (not
most Recent Date of Hire).
If an employee that was RA'd comes back as a subcontractor the following rules
apply:
- As long as you are NOT working for the same customer and you're working
in a completely different Division you should be fine (no
impact on your severance and no need to wait 3 months). My 2 cents: if you
plan on returning soon after your separation please make sure the IBM project
manager is aware of your circumstances. And get it in WRITING that it's ok
to return. - You do NOT want to lose your severance! So, just be careful.
The wording and rules are not very clear. -Proud Alliance Member-
Comment
04/30/09:
Though Alliance seems to be the only group that is doing something, a little
help from the government would be nice too. The New York State Division of
Human Rights and the EEOC are supposed to go after companies when employment
laws are being broken. How is IBM getting away with obvious age discrimination?
These agencies have the power to stop IBM from doing this, if they wanted
to. Why is IBM getting a free pass from the government? -LearningFast-
Comment
04/30/09:
Separated from IBM this week. Got a call from another division about potentially
sub-ing back in to one of their clients. Philosophically it sucks but the
grim reality is we can really use the money. My question, and I really do
need an honest answer, if this could somehow jeopardize my severance. I read
the GSAR and the legalese is a bit cagey. Can anyone advise? Thank you.
-Mac-
Comment
04/30/09:
Hello, and thank you all again for your informative posts to this site. My
husband was "laid off" or whatever (still not convinced laid off
is the right term since they're clearly not bringing him back in the future)
on 3/27, his last day was Monday 4/27. I was quite surprised to see that his
final paycheck wasn't direct deposited to us. Has anyone else had this issue?
Are we being cheated out of 2 weeks worth of pay, or should we expect a check
to be snail-mailed to us? Never a dull moment with this awful company, that's
for sure. Thanks in advance for your responses... -WifeOfEx-GBSer-
Comment
04/30/09:
For those of you who turned in your stuff April 27th, look at your last 'work'
check for April. Any reimbursements you filed after April 13 will not be in
that check. I was told all documents were printed and checks cut on April
14. I was shorted $153 and brought this up to my manger's attention. I stayed
on my 1st line to get the money back. The check arrived today April 30. I,
too, was asked by my first line where I’ve been applying, did I get
any offers or any rejections. I was then asked for names of companies that
I looked into. IBM is fishing for information. Managers are to report what
they find. Don’t give give IBM more ammo. They have done enough damage
already. -Demanded-every-Penny-
Comment
04/30/09:
Just got RA'd today. Part of the ISC cuts that were reported today. I am located
in RTP -JB
RTP-
Comment
04/30/09:
"Alliance reply: Just because it's not about age in your case, doesn't
mean the same everywhere else in IBM"
Oh, so suddenly its age discrimination simply because sites A,B and C
appear to have more older folk RA'd? Give me a break. Each location has a
different number of employees, each employee is a different age, and has served
a different length of term with the company. For a group trying to fill the
shoes of a Union...you do a poor job of staying in the loop. When a company
shuts down locations and has intent on pulling over 50% of its resources out
of a country to send elsewhere. It can't be considered age discrimination.
Did you happen to hear that in March, the IBM office in Montreal RA'd almost
100 fulltime helpdesk employees.. Regardless of age? If so, then perhaps you
also heard that by the following monday they hired almost 100 contrators to
fill those shoes also regardless of age. You people talking in this little
discussion forum might mean well. But you are blind to what is really happening
and only trying to justify things on a case by case basis. -nothingtodowithage-
Comment
04/30/09:
Working full-time in IT department @ ottawa for a company that was taken over
by IBM a little over a year ago. 35 years old with PBC rating of 2. Bunch
of us given notice that our end date is June 22nd. Manager says that the miscellaneous
tasks and projects we are working on does not warrant a job in IBM's eyes.
-Out in Ottawa-
Comment
04/30/09:
To -RAed in Jan- Thanks for the feedback. I have the same thought; you are
right; probably not worth the attorney fee. Though there’s definitely
some deception -- intentional or unintentional -- future RAs and any interest
group should be aware! After receiving the package, I did check my profile
in “About You” and the Hire Date was still the bridge-adjusted
date, so I naïvely expected the larger amount. Today, over phone, an
IBM personnel clarified: SERVICE REFERENCE DATE (is used in calculating anniversary,
benefit, etc.) but MOST RECENT DATE OF HIRE (is quoted in the separation package
and is used in calculating the severance amount). -NeedAdvice-
Comment
04/30/09:
IBM increases the stock dividend and buys back more stock while it lays off
american workers and ships their jobs off shore. What blatant greed and a
slap in the face to it's employees. -another_slap-
Comment
04/30/09:
The last few ibm meetings I have attended with management were proceeded by
a long winded discussion of how wonderful it is to work at IBM. Also what
a great guy "Sam the Snake" is and to look at the IBM stock price
as a sign that things are going great. I would say they are trying to combat
some really bad press and employee moral problems. It must finally be making
management nervous. -fedup-
Alliance
reply: Are
you Fed Up enough to start organizing and increasing the pressure on IBM to
bargain with you and your co-workers for a union contract ?
Comment
04/30/09:
More job cuts. In East Fishkill today. Typical IBM knee jerk reaction to lower
revenue forecasts. For those that thought the last RA action was going to
be the last for awhile this year well the USA/Canada stealth layoffs are back
and possibly with a vengeance. -anonymous-
Alliance
reply:
It's not a reaction. It's a deliberate plan that was set in motion some time
ago. Alliance has been telling this grim reality series for some time now.
Is anyone listening out there?
Comment
04/30/09:
I agree that taking legal action against IBM is a low percentage play; however,
I think the winds are changing and a few victories could make things better
for all of us. If you do have clear and convincing evidence and have little
to lose, go for it. In some states the laws are more favorable than others.
The past odds are worse than horrible; however, I believe that you can beat
the odds in today's climate and I would love to see someone, with a good case,
to try and win. -LearningFast-
Comment
04/30/09:
>>Age is not a factor. Continue to make yourself believe that if
it helps you sleep at night. -nothingtodowithage-
Age IS a factor. Keep saying it isn't, if it makes YOU feel better.
If you are blind, don't assume others can't see.
>>
Remember: At Will Employee=no union contract=no voice in the workplace=no
protection from IBM's abuse.
Amen. -anonymouse-
Comment
04/30/09:
to DOL_separation_notice- Yes - I got the same treatment... I'm in GA, and
my manager emailed me a blank form. I called him and explained to him that
if he bothered to read the form, it clearly needs to be filled out and signed
by someone within IBM, as it even asks for info I didn't have... like IBM's
TAX ID stuff from their quarterly tax filings or something (I don't remember
- it's on the right side of the form). He said he'd ask payroll about it...
that was Feb 24... I'm still waiting for a completed, signed form from IBM.
IBM has no problem breaking the law - I'm the same person who filed the complaint
with the DOL over the Cobra payments, and the DOL called me and chewed the
IBM rep out on the phone for me to hear (Yay!). You'll get nowhere trying
to get someone in IBM to fill out the sep. form correctly and legally as they
are required to do. If you are filing for benefits, take the form they gave
you with you. The DOL will follow with IBM and get the info. They will also
explain to IBM what they should have done in the first place.
-RA'd Feb24 after 16 years-
Comment
04/30/09:
I was given the state-required 'separation notice' at my exit interview, document
needed to apply for unemployment benefits. This document is supposed to be
filled out by the employer, mine however has only my name filled in and the
IBM address.. no signature, no reason for separation.. The exiting manager
told me that that is what they were told to fill in and i can take it up with
IBM Payroll.. Was anyone in similar situation? This seems to be illegal as
the document is required to by signed and given to employee completed on date
of departure. -DOL_separation_notice-
Comment
04/30/09:
47&NotInDenial - The vast majority of my department is under the age of
35. And my entire sector is packing up and moving away. Everyone here will
be gone by mid June. End of Story. Age is not a factor. Continue to make yourself
believe that if it helps you sleep at night.
-nothingtodowithage-
Alliance
reply: Just
because it's not about age in your case, doesn't mean the same everywhere
else in IBM.
Comment
04/30/09:
I get it. Job cuts are occurring for many reasons and no two situations are
exactly the same. What makes the age issue of interest is that age discrimination
is illegal and there are laws that need to be enforced to plug that hole.
Granted there are other holes that must be plugged too.
I have seen several comments about “not wanting to
pay for a lawyer.” Most plaintiff lawyers work on a contingency
fee arrangement and will not charge a fee for looking at your case. If your
facts present a strong legal argument, the lawyer will want your case. Otherwise
you will be advised to accept IBM’s severance offer. In most circumstances
the upfront legal advice will be free. -LearningFast-
Alliance
reply: A "plantiff lawyer" or "personal injury lawyer"
will not typically take a case against a Corporation like IBM. IBM can affored
the best legal minds; and they will spend it, if necessary. You must have
'ALL you ducks lined up' before you start hoping that a lawyer will agree
to take on IBM. It's been tried before, with much less than glorious success.
Bottom line: All IBM employees and you, are an 'At Will Employee' without
any written agreements or contracts that specifically spell out benefits,
wages, salary, policy, and pension...including hire & fire dates and separation
agreements. IBMers need to face this reality before they start hoping that
a lawsuit will fix everything. It rarely fixes anything.
Remember: At Will Employee=no union contract=no voice in the workplace=no
protection from IBM's abuse.
Comment
04/30/09:
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the
people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the
time."-Abraham Lincoln- http://seekingalpha.com/article/134195-ibm-reflating-the-corporate-bubble-ge-style
-annonymous-
Comment
04/30/09:
nothingtodowithage - percentages are what we're
looking at. Yes, total numbers vary by age which is why you need the percentages
to compare apples to apples. Since this seems to be a bone of contention,
would Alliance please clarify once and for all what trend the chart is indicating.
It seems clear to me but perhaps it needs some dumbing down for those in denial.
-47&NotInDenial-
Alliance
reply: Obviously,
there is a disagreement about the interpretation of the data. Using math as
a simple argument against age discrimination is an oversimplification. That's
why lawsuits were filed in the past; with varying results. The whole topic
can be argued from both sides at great length, legally and ad nauseum. Many
here on this board believe that age and service time are factors that needn't
be ignored. 'Denial' is not just a river in Egypt.
Comment
04/30/09:
ISC hit today. I was one of the ones that was cut. And yes, I am one of the
paying union member. I am in RTP. Cuts are for ISC nationwide. Please let
me know if you want a copy of my package with the breakdown. -Anon
- RTP ISC-
Alliance
reply:
We are sorry for your job loss. Yes, please send us a copy of your package.
Comment
04/30/09:
To -NeedAdvice- I too had left IBM and rejoined. Had about 12 years
in, left, and was back 4 months later (don't ask ;-) Another 10, and RAed.
When I had rejoined, the prior service date was indeed part of it for pension
calcs only (we still had a pension then) Note in the "you have been selected
to participate" package, it says severance is calculated at 1 week for
every completed 6 months based on YOUR MOST RECENT DATE OF HIRE. It is explicitly
stated there. This supercedes any other agreement you might have had, unless
you got it in writing. Yeah, it sucks, but, remember this... I saw a lot of
people at Right Management (outplacement folks) from other companies who got
a pittance of severance as compared to what we got from IBM, and also, IBM
has no obligation to be that "generous". They made the rules. At-Will;
remember? They make the rules. We either agree to them, or we leave. So they
set the rule there, and we just get to eat it. Don't waste money on a lawyer
for this one, IMHO... -RAed in Jan-
Comment
04/30/09:
Breaking this morning: 200 given 90 day notice East Fishkill Integrated Supply
Chain just announced in the Times Herald Record Online http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090430/BIZ/90430023
-Profits Up and Layoffs continue!-
Comment
04/30/09:
Too late for another 200. http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090430/BIZ/90430023
-annonymous-
Comment
04/30/09:
IBM Stalking Stimulus Dollars: http://industry.bnet.com/technology/10001543/ibm-stalking-stimulus-dollars/
-My_Tax_Money-
Comment
04/30/09:
To not-a-contractor. Me too. I was called within 2 weeks after I
was laid off to come back and do some work that no one else in the department
could do or find the time to do. I politely declined because I was leaving
for a job interview and would not be available. IBM is good at that, laying
off people with no thought as to what they will do with the work they do.
They only worry about the numbers and the bottom line, not the employees.
-RA'd 2007-
Comment
04/30/09:
Pull my head out of my @$$?? Look at the chart below,
do you understand how to read charts? Yes there are larger numbers of RA'd
employees in higher age groups. But look at the numbers, once you pass the
age of 30, you start into 100+ employee counts. THERE ARE MORE EMPLOYEES OF
AN OLDER AGE. Stop using age as an excuse. IBM is downsizing EVERYONE. Centers
across North America WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN. AGE IS NOT A FACTOR! Get it through
your head. -nothingtodowithage-
Comment
04/30/09:
-slim chance- Why even buy IBM now? All the money
IBM gets is ultimately used to make the greedy IBM executives richer.
-anonymous-
Comment
04/30/09:
To slammed: When I was ra'd, (2 years ago) before my 30 days was up my team
lead, (big time loser) called me and said he could get me in as a contractor,
with no benefits, doing the same job. Luckily I had found another job outside
ibm before my 30 days was up, collected 4 months severance, and went on to
my new job. I told him to stick his job where the sun don't shine and hung
up. I had been doing his job for a long time and he realized once I was gone
he was screwed. I would not go back after being an employee to do the same
job as a contractor. Never. -not_a_contractor-
Comment
04/29/09:
Here is a thought, why not buy the cheapest piece of crap IBM server or Lenovo
PC that you can get IBM service on and "ensure" it "breaks"
several times a week at all hours day and night, take the survey every time
and give them a 0 every time. A few thousand if these a week will drive management
mad. just a thought -slim chance-
Alliance
reply: That's
a lot of wasted anger and money. Why not organize and do something constructive;
like build a union where you can strengthen your voice in the workplace and
actually have an effect on the corporation policies?...like CWA did recently,
at their company's shareholder meeting.
Comment
04/29/09:
Guys, if you think this has nothing to do with age, look around you. Do you
see anyone under 30 gone ? ANYONE ? I will be 40 in a few weeks, so guess
what happens ? There is only 2 things to get even, ONLY 2. 1 - Unity. 2 -
Stop giving IBM any business, any position you are in, customer, laptop buyer,
corporate customer, anyone. DO NOT SEND YOUR MONEY OVERSEAS. -MD-
Comment
04/29/09:
I admire that IBMers are taking notice of IBM’s unethical and illegal
acts and speaking out. We are quickly running out of time and we obviously
need everyone to take effective action now. I am reminded of the quote by
German Pastor Martin Niemoeller that goes like this. In Germany they first
came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't
a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me --- and by that time no one was left to speak up. -LearningFast-
Comment
04/29/09:
Though I don’t think much is left to the imagination when you look at
the graphs, I figured out IBM’s strategy on the age discrimination.
IBM strategy is basically pleading guilty upfront by giving employees the
breakouts showing they fired the people who were 40, 50, 60, & 70 and
kept the ones that were 20 & 30. They fully disclose that they are …
you over. They specifically list all the laws that they think they have violated.
You can sign the release waiving your right to sue and take the money or not.
They advise you to talk to a lawyer before signing. Since most people cannot
analyze this information timely and don’t understand the law, they sign,
game over. Effectively IBM skips the trial by pleading guilty and then settles
for pennies on the dollar with their severance offer. Then there is the Project
Match option. Your job moved and we hope you will too. We think you will like
it. Of course the local currency is fish heads… While this is an effective
way to exterminate employees, do US corporations really need to behave this
way to be successful? -LearningFast-
Comment
04/29/09:
The separation money has just arrived in the mail; but its calculation is
based on my rehire-date which is not what I expect. I rejoined IBM several
years ago, and the agreed negotiation was to bridge the dates between two
IBM employments. Up until the layoff, all my benefits follow that rule, including
the anniversary congratulation email each year. What are my rights in this
case? Please advise or give a pointer if you know. Thanks! -NeedAdvice-
Alliance
reply: Do you have anything in writing? If so get a lawyer.
Comment
04/29/09:
Another cynical IBM-related posting in an HR magazine mentioned on this site.
http://hrside.blogspot.com/
-Think-
Comment
04/29/09:
For the folks in RTP (NC), esp. those who got the ax in March/Apr, we'll have
our regular "RA lunch" (or should I say "Liberation Lunch")
tomorrow 4/30. For details, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RAed2009/
and look for a post titled "RTP lunch Thursday 4/30". Hope to see
many of you there, as we need the mutual support. -ex-SWG-
Comment
04/29/09:
Samuel Palmisano will accept the Distinguished Business Leadership Award for
his role in building the largest and most diversified IT services organization
in the industry, connecting investment, technology, and innovation.
http://www.acus.org/event_blog/2009-leadership-awards-bush-kohl-petraeus-and-palmisano
-Lost
It-
Comment
04/29/09:
To -nothingtodowithage-: note that the RA statistics that have been
shown list PERCENT by age, which factors out the "very likely had more
peopl of older age working there" effect, and that there is in fact a
steadily increasing percent RA'd as age increases (percent seems to usually
peak in early 50s in the numbers I've seen). -jtr-
Comment
04/29/09:
I agree that was totally unprofessional of your manager to ask "where
you are going next." It might be an ok question if you were voluntarily
quitting, but not if you are being fired. I applaud you for taking the same
attitude that IBM takes toward it employees - secrecy. -John Boy-
Comment
04/29/09:
>>The IBM theme seems to be to look out for yourself; and that's
exactly what I did
Same here, Gone and Glad, only I learned it too late. Sadly, those remaining
are paralyzed by fear and won't unionize and will be fired.
Quit complaining, MD? That's all we have.
>>Age had nothing to do with it. -nothingtodowithage-? Bullshit.
Let me guess, you're a management plant. It has EVERYTHING to do with age
and years and salary. Nice try at FUD, though.
>> - why are you all continuing to pick up the extra workload of
RA'd employees if it consistently pushes your hours to more than 40 a week?
Fear and threats, -Tulsa_slave-, threats and fear. Have you
been paying attention for the past two years? Threats and fear, fear and threats.
-anonymouse-
Comment
04/29/09:
To>>>-nothingtodowithage->>> Pull your head from out of
your "where the sun doesn't shine". Age does play a large part,
especially when IBM is over 90 percdent under 40, yet layoffs are hitting
the over 40's at a rate of over 70 percent of those layed off. Shilling is
not a good path for future employment. -no-ky-
Comment
04/29/09:
Tulsa-Slave-- Couldn't agree more. Your only reward for working 60
hours a week is getting to do it the following week. This will continue till
someone higher up the food chain thinks an off shore site can do your job..
For me, IBM is a distant 4th in line for my time. Time over 40 hours is better
spent looking for another job.. -Gettin-Hosed-
Comment
04/29/09:
"For those of you who have been RA'ed those of us left behind have
been expected to pick up your workload."
I have heard this many times - why are you all continuing to pick up
the extra workload of RA'd employees if it consistently pushes your hours
to more than 40 a week? I know many people who always for 60+ each week for
the same pay. STOP IT! As a non-managerial employee, it is not your job to
balance the workload for your department. It's your manager's job. And if
there aren't enough employees to do the work, it's his butt that's on the
line, not yours. IBM wants to overwork you - to get as many hours as possible
for the same rate of pay. Don't let them keep walking over you. Do your 40
hours (an honest, hard-working 40 hours) and then go home. Your first priority
is as a husband/wife or a parent. You can always find a job somewhere else
but your child can't get another you. Quit giving IBM more for less. Create
your own work/life balance. Push the workload management back up the chain.
Get your coworkers on board with the Alliance. Don't answer work phone calls
while at home. You have to be the one drawing the line because IBM sure won't.
-Tulsa_slave-
Comment
04/29/09:
Stop trying to justify these layoffs based on age category. It has nothing
to do with it. My entire division is shutting down and the work being sent
to a site elsewhere. Age had nothing to do with it. However, when I look around,
what do I see? A vast majority of employees with 20+ years of service. Was
there age a factor? No. IBM has alot of baby boomers. Chances are good if
your office layoffs show a trend in more people of an older age category being
laid off....you very likely had more peopl of older age working the 
